Europa League: Dessers scores stunning solo goal in Rangers 3-2 win over Real Betis

The twenty-nine-year-old Nigerian striker experienced a difficult start to life in the Scottish capital after joining from Cremonese before finding his feet.

Super Eagles striker, Cyriel Dessers, scored a stunning solo goal to help Rangers sweep Real Betis aside and secure qualification to the knockout stage of the UEFA Europa League, Soccernet.ng reports.

Philippe Clement's side knew they needed all three points on the night to secure qualification as they were on eight points, while their counterparts, Real Betis and Sparta Prague on seven and nine points respectively.

Playing away at the Estadio Benito Villamarin, the manager trusted Nigerian Dessers to come up with the goods for his side, and he teed up Abdallah Sima for the opener just ten minutes into the game.

Ross McCausland's ball into the box was well shielded by Dessers, leaving room for Senegalese Abdallah Sima to put the ball into the back of the net.

The lead didn't last long, as Juan Miranda drew the hosts level.  Some tidy pass exchanges between the former Barcelona man and Borja Iglesias sent the left-back through on goal and he drilled his shot past Jack Butland.

Six minutes after the equalizer, Dessers scored a stunning solo goal. A well-weighted pass from Jose Cifuentes sent the striker through on goal. He then dribbled past two Betis midfielders before finishing in style.

THE COMPOSURE FROM CYRIEL DESSERS! 🤯

Rangers take back their lead against Real Betis 💪 pic.twitter.com/GKYRP69cf2

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) December 14, 2023

Los Verdiblancos drew level again with seven minutes to half-time. Former Real Madrid midfielder, Isco Alarcon drove the ball from midfield before laying it into the path of Ayoze Perez who curled it home, making it 2-2 before half-time.

Kemar Roofe bagged the winner with twelve minutes left on the clock. Borna Barisic's corner kick was headed on and squared back in by Connor Goldson. The cut-back was scuffed by Rabbi Matondo, but Roofe was there to clear his mess, sending the ball home.

FULL-TIME: Real Betis 2-3 Rangers | #UEL

RANGERS 👊

Top of Group C 💙 pic.twitter.com/ZwjOBy7Wuc

— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) December 14, 2023

Rangers' win means Manuel Pellegrini's Real Betis will drop down to play the Europa Conference League when European football resumes next year.