Malmo 0-2 Rangers: Analysis

Martin Dowden, BBC Sport Scotland in Malmo

This was an impressive and assured Rangers display at this level in a testing, compact environment. They needed a positive start given how tough their draw is and they got it.

The foundation was the opener coming so early. From there, the Premiership side largely controlled things, balancing solid defending with cutting attacking threat.

Crucially, Malmo just couldn't test Jack Butland, particularly during the first half in which the hosts had just two touches in Rangers' box.

Not that this was a defensive display, far from it.

It was a different Malmo for some of the second period. They got their act together, the crowd responded but Philippe Clement's side stood up to that test.

Rangers in truth should have been out of sight long before they got that vital second. Malmo were poor overall and the Ibrox side took full advantage.

The only criticism might be the amount of stick-on chances they didn't take when in fabulous positions. Usually in Europe, those moments get punished.

This felt like a tie from which Rangers required at least a point, given the quality of opposition in their draw.

The win gives them the perfect start and platform to move forward with confidence when they host Lyon at home next.