Mohamed Diomande’s well-taken first-half strike saw Rangers beat Ludogorets 1-0 at Ibrox to earn Danny Röhl’s side their first Europa League win of the season, but it was not enough to keep alive their play-off hopes.
The hard-fought victory over the Bulgarian champions did, however, maintain Rangers’ recent good form as the home side racked up their seventh straight win in all competitions, including four clean sheets in a row.
Röhl 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 just 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 Europa League fixture in Portugal next week, but first resume their Scottish 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 live on Sky Sports.
