KNOCKOUT'S A WINNER

Bittersweet victory as Euro hopes end

- BY RONNIE ESPLIN

MOHAMED DIOMANDE'S first-half strike gave Rangers their first Europa League win of the season as they beat Ludogorets 1-0 at Ibrox.

Danny Rohl has rejuvenated the Gers on the domestic scene since taking over from Russell Martin in October but they went into the penultimate league phase fixture with a paltry one point from 18 and effectively out of the competition.

However, on a wet and windy Govan night, midfielder Diomande put the home side into the lead in the 33rd minute and it proved to be decisive in a mostly controlled performance.

Rangers face Porto in their final fixture in Portugal next week but first resume their William Hill Premiership title push at home to Dundee on Sunday.

The Light Blues are behind second-placed Celtic on goal difference and six points adrift of leaders Hearts, who host the Hoops on Sunday.