European playoff action across the continent delivered mixed fortunes for British and Irish clubs on Thursday, with Rangers securing a narrow advantage while Brighton were frustrated in their bid for a first-leg lead.
At Ibrox, Rangers claimed a 1-0 win over Czech outfit Jablonec in the opening leg of their Conference League playoff, though the performance did little to convince supporters. Derek McInnes, who had only just recorded his first victory as manager following a 5-1 rout of St Mirren, watched his side struggle through a scoreless opening period that drew jeers from the home crowd at half-time.
Rangers found more purpose after the interval, breaking the deadlock in the 50th minute through Ryan Naderi, who tapped home from close range. The advantage was nearly undone when substitute Cammy Devlin, introduced only minutes earlier, was dismissed in the 78th minute for a high challenge on Jiri Slama. Rangers were forced to navigate the remainder of the contest a man short but held on for the win.
Brighton's trip to Norway proved considerably more difficult, as Fabian Hürzeler's side could not break down Tromsø despite generating numerous opportunities. The match finished goalless, leaving the tie evenly poised ahead of next week's return fixture at the Amex Stadium. "It's not the result we hoped for," Hürzeler admitted afterward. New signing Ibrahim Osman impressed on his Brighton debut following a series of loan spells, particularly in the first half, while Tromsø defender Isak Vadebu came close to snatching a dramatic late winner but fired wide. Brighton now turn attention to their Premier League opener against Aston Villa this weekend.
Elsewhere, Hearts produced a thrilling 2-2 draw against Rapid Vienna, highlighted by a spectacular long-range strike from teenager James Wilson. The youngster unleashed an unstoppable 30-yard effort moments after entering the match to put Hearts ahead. Head coach Wouter Vrancken praised the moment, saying: "He's a young lad so for sure it will be extra special. Let's hope he can make the next steps." Hearts had earlier fallen behind to a Serge-Philippe Raux-Yao header before Josh McPade equalized, but Rapid salvaged a point through a late Nikolaus Wumbrand goal, leaving the tie unresolved.
Hibernian earned a valuable 0-0 draw away to Gent in Belgium, continuing their impressive run on the road under David Gray, who called it "a massive performance and a massive result." The result followed a similar goalless away outcome against Shkendija the previous week, though Hibs will rue a missed opportunity after Owen Elding's penalty was saved.
Motherwell endured a difficult night against Freiburg despite a lightning start, with Regan Charles-Cook scoring inside 73 seconds. Freiburg responded through Matthias Ginter, who equalized with a header before converting a penalty following Martin Moormann's red card, upheld by VAR review. A stoppage-time header from substitute Keisuke Goto completed a 3-1 victory for the Germans, leaving Motherwell with a steep task in the second leg.
In other continental fixtures, Larne moved closer to the league phase with a 2-0 win at 10-man Lincoln Red Imps in Gibraltar, courtesy of late goals from Paul O'Neill and Kevin O'Hara. Shamrock Rovers were held 1-1 by Finland's KuPS despite Enda Stevens giving them the lead, with Piotr Parzyszek equalizing late for the visitors.
In the Europa League, Mohamed Salah played the full 90 minutes on his home debut for Trabzonspor, but his side fell 1-0 to Ferencvaros and finished the match with ten men after Chibuike Nwaiwu was sent off in stoppage time.
Based on reporting from The Guardian.