Rangers were penalized for their sloppy start in the second halfSteven Davis' "big moment", says Steven Gerrard, has provided Rangers with "an important lifeline" to their quest for the Champions League group stage, despite being defeated by Malmo.In the 95th minute, Davis smashed the ball into the box from the edge of his box. It was a tough night for the Scottish champions in Sweden.Malmo was in control when Soren Rieks, Veljko Birmancevic and Veljko Birmancevic scored within a matter of minutes. They looked poised to continue their lead until Davis' critical intervention.Rangers are now in a better position to win the return leg at Ibrox next Tuesday, where they have a remarkable record.Although it isn't the place we wanted, it's better than starting at 2-0. Gerrard said that we were also at the brink of it getting worse." Gerrard spoke to Rangers TV."We will have to raise levels individually and collectively next week. In my humble opinion, there are six to seven people who need to increase their level and sharply raise it.Rangers lost Alfredo Morelos and Glen Kamara, Kemar roofe, Leon Balogun, and Kemar Roofe due to suspension, but they were still able field a strong XI when they started their campaign to reach group phase for first time in 10 year.The Scottish champions won the first half. Ryan Kent and Scott Arfield had their chances. However, there was very little goalmouth action as both sides struggled for control.Jon Dahl Tomasson’s Malmo, however, came out of the dressing area a changed man as Rangers were put to the sword in two minutes.Birmancevic first dummied Arfield, before finding Rieks at back post. The Danish wingback fired a stunning first-time volley that was beyond Allan McGregor.Anders Christiansen had given James Tavernier the ball. Birmancevic was just able to get back on his feet when Birmancevic hit the post from his left. The ball allowed Anders Christiansen to score his forward.Rangers were left stunned by the start of the second period. Malmo, backed up by a loud home support, swarmed around them. Helander was lucky not to concede a penalty that could have put Gerrard's men in greater danger.Soon, the pace slowed down and Rangers sought a response but failed to find the spark they were looking for in the last third.Scott Wright's pace and movement looked most likely to lead to a goal. He did however manage to score Fashion Sakala. However, the substitute's attempt to score was blocked by a strong Malmo defense.That was the sum total of Rangers' clear opportunities, before Davis was given too much space on the box. This allowed Davis to use all his experience and compose himself to lash the ball into a net.Veljko Birmancevic is the Man of MatchWhile there were many candidates for Malmo's job, Birmancevic was chosen for his goal- and assist.What have we learned?This is a simple excuse, and Gerrard won't make it. Rangers looked like a team with only one competitive game under their belts while Malmo looked like a team in the middle part of their season.The surprise of the Swedish side was that they lined up in a 5-3-2 formation. Rangers had difficulty adapting to this as Helander, Barisic and others left space in the left channel.The first 45 minutes were uneventful, with no clear chance. However, the second half was a lesson in concentration, as Malmo outpowered Rangers to capitalize on their slow start.Gerrard's biggest win will be that his side managed to draw back into the tie. With more game time by the return leg, Gerrard will hopefully see improvement in their attacking play. Their delivery was poor and they eventually regrouped.Wright displayed another impressive performance and should be starting at Ibrox. Since Gerrard's arrival, only Slavia Prague or Bayer Leverkusen won in Govan in European competition. They will continue to push for progress, even if the away goal rule is dropped.They said it!Steven Gerrard, Rangers manager: "We had two fantastic performances. Filip Helander, whom I considered outstanding, and Steven Davis."I am running out of plaudits to Davo. He is a person who never gives up. He never gives up and is always there for us.What's next?Rangers will be away at Dundee United Saturday (12:30 BST), in the Scottish Premiership. They then attempt to overcome the 2-1 deficit against Malmo next Monday (20:00).
