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Would the Rangers still be in the Europa League without goalkeeper Allan McGregor's performances?
After a draw against Villarreal at Ibrox that once again highlighted the importance of McGregor, with two superb one-on-one saves against Karl Toko Ekambi, Steven Gerrard's team travels to Vienna to face Rapid on December 13, knowing that a victory will put them in the green. the last 32
The Scottish international has made a catalog of great saves in this European campaign, to the point that Steven Thompson, a BBC Scotland expert, says he is "Gerrard's best rookie".
"You can not underestimate how important McGregor was," Thompson said. "Not only on Thursday, but during the season.
"I think he's now bringing a level of performance pretty much every week, he brings his experience and he loves playing for the Rangers."
But how vital was McGregor? We return to the campaign to review the evidence and hear the man himself and his manager.
Blocks and penalty points – stops
Shkupi 0-0 Rangers
First qualifying round, 17 July
McGregor was in the first game outside of Gerrard in Europe when Muarem Muarem broke in with two minutes to go. The Rangers had a 2-0 lead since the first leg at Ibrox, but without the goalkeeper's strong left arm they would have been forced to defend a slight lead in the final moments.
Rangers 1-1 NK Osijek
Second qualifying round, August 2nd
Despite their 1-0 first-leg victory in Croatia, the Rangers made it difficult for them to tie their tie to Ibrox. And without a great McGregor rescue in the 37th minute to prevent Ezekiel Henty from playing, things could have been a lot different. The rangers were far from the best that night, but they were able to count on the expertise of the man between the two positions.
Maribor 0-0 Rangers
Third qualifying round, August 16
In the return leg in Slovenia, the Rangers were able to advance only with a cushion of a goal thanks to McGregor's point blank save to Marcos Tavares in the 54th minute to keep the score at bay. 0-0. And as if that were not enough, the goalkeeper also recorded a penalty against the same player in the last moments of the game.
Rangers 1-0 Ufa
Dam Tower of August 23
A 1-0 win at Ibrox was enough to allow the Rangers to overtake Ufa and enter the group stage of the Europa League. Yet, throughout the match going to Ibrox, McGregor was again called to action. The influence of Dmitry Zhivoglyadov five meters from the center of the Scottish International may have been influenced by his influence.
Villarreal 2-2 Rangers
First match of the group stage, September 20th
One of the most impressive results for Gerrard so far has been the Rangers draw in Spain and once again, McGregor played a crucial role in the win. If he had not had the goalkeeper's extended right arm in the 61st minute, Ramiro Funes Mori's superbly placed shot would have drowned in the net.
"It's only lucky" – says McGregor
It's just lucky, just get as big as you can, raise your hand and luckily for me, it touches my hand. I take things day by day, match after match. I do what I have to do outside the park, I go to the gym before I train and I feel really good so I will continue to do it.
"I'm running out of compliments" – says Gerrard
Allan was again world clbad. His form is amazing since the first day. He comes for us twice with two world clbad stops. I'm running out of things to say about him, just a word, really – wow! He's on top since the first day, every day of training and all the games.
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