Rangers Take Narrow Lead After Naderi Strike Against Jablonec

Rangers earned a 1-0 first-leg advantage over Jablonec in their Conference League playoff at Ibrox on Thursday, with Ryan Naderi scoring the only goal before the Scottish side finished with 10 men. The Guardian reported that Naderi converted from close range in the 50th minute after a goalless opening half that ended with boos from sections of the home support.

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The win was Derek McInnes' second positive result in quick succession after Rangers beat St Mirren 5-1 on Sunday, his first victory as manager at the fifth attempt. Rangers improved after the interval against their Czech opponents, but substitute Cammy Devlin was sent off in the 78th minute for a high tackle on Jiri Slama, leaving the hosts to protect their narrow lead while a player short.

Brighton were held to a 0-0 draw by Tromso in Norway in another playoff first leg. Fabian Hurzeler's team created several chances but could not beat goalkeeper Jakob Haugaard. Ibrahim Osman made his Brighton debut following three loan spells away and was a prominent threat in the first half, while Tromso defender Isak Vadebu shot wide during a late counterattack. The teams will meet again at the Amex Stadium next week.

Hearts and Rapid Vienna drew 2-2 after James Wilson made an immediate impact from the bench. Serge-Philippe Raux-Yao headed Rapid in front before Josh McPake equalised. Wilson then drove in a shot from 30 yards to put Hearts ahead, but Nikolaus Wumbrand scored a late equaliser for the Austrian side, leaving the tie level before the return match.

Hibernian also left their tie unresolved after a 0-0 draw away to Gent. Owen Elding had a 15th-minute penalty saved by Davy Roef, but Hibs secured another European stalemate on the road after drawing in North Macedonia the previous week and then eliminating Shkendija. Head coach David Gray described the display and result as massive, according to The Guardian.

Motherwell face a more difficult second leg after losing 3-1 at home to Freiburg. Regan Charles-Cook scored from Emmanuel Longelo's cutback after 73 seconds, but Matthias Ginter headed the equaliser and later converted a penalty after Martin Moormann was sent off following a video review. Substitute Keisuke Goto added Freiburg's third with a stoppage-time header. Elsewhere, Larne won 2-0 at 10-man Lincoln Red Imps, while Shamrock Rovers drew 1-1 at home to KuPS.