Bajrami and McCausland to the fore as Rangers seal impressive victory

Rangers made a storming start to their Europa League campaign with a 2-0 win over Malmö in Sweden that should have been even more emphatic. Nedim Bajrami scored his first goal for the Ibrox club in less than a minute and Philippe Clement's side passed up several chances to add a second before the interval.

- Ronnie Esplin

The Swedish champions, who had not lost to Rangers in four previous meetings in Champions League qualifiers, piled pressure on after the break but still Rangers missed chances to add to their lead before the substitute Ross McCausland fired in a superb second in the 76th minute to seal the win. It was the biggest test for Rangers since they lost 3-0 to Celtic at the start of the month, and they came through with flying colours.

Clement's side can take confidence into the Premiership game against Hibernian on Sunday, before they host the French side Lyon next week in the second of their eight Europa League fixtures.

Before the game Clement had to wrestle with selection dilemmas. With Jefté suspended and Ridvan Yilmaz among a clutch of injured players, the 22-year-old Dutch defender Neraysho Kasanwirjo, on loan from Feyenoord, was handed his first start at left-back, while the midfielder Mohamed Diomande took over from Dujon Sterling.

Malmö, eight points clear at the top of the Swedish table and seemingly on their way to their 24th title, were stunned to go behind so early.