Sparta played Rangers to a goalless draw, the match did not offer much football entertainment

Thursday night in the European Cups started from the Czech perspective with Sparta Prague challenging Rangers FC at home. A rather fierce battle full of emotions was expected, but the fans ended up seeing a relatively calm match that didn’t offer much.

Prague’s “S” and Rangers FC? In recent years, a more than interesting combination. It all started in the spring of 2021 in a double-header between Slavia and a Scottish side, after which the team from Glasgow became completely disliked by most of the Czech Republic.

Then, when Sparta faced the Scots in Europe in the autumn, emotions were still running high. Since then, however, much has changed on the Rangers side and on the side of both Czech clubs. Still, Thursday’s Sparta-Rangers game was expected to be quite an emotional battle.

The Sparta vs Rangers duel did not offer a goal

But did we see the aforementioned emotional battle? No. Fortunately? Unfortunately? That’s for everyone to judge. With the exception of Angel Preciado, however, no one was injured and there were no vicious tackles far over the edge.

Moreover, for a long time it looked positive for the team from Letná. Especially the start went well for Brian Priske’s charges, as they got several big chances. Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland held them together.

Sparta had the upper hand until about the 60th minute. It was getting into shooting opportunities, it was better on the ball, but it can’t be said that it had any outstanding scoring chances, except for the initial mentioned chances.

Rangers didn’t get anything in the first half, they had a couple of shots in the second half. However, they didn’t threaten goalie Peter Vindahl in any major way. Basically, it was an uneventful game, as evidenced by the xG stats.

According to Sofascore, Sparta was better (xG 1.27), but Rangers were not far behind (0.57).

Neither side will probably be happy about the division of points, but there will not be too much disappointment on either side. The fight for promotion from the group is still open. Betis lead the group with six points, while Sparta and Rangers have four points apiece. Limassol are fourth with three points.

Source: UEFA