A pair of victories over Manchester United and Borussia Monchengladbach – coupled with a concluding defeat to a strong Bayern Munich outfit – ensured a second-placed finish for the young Gers.
The Light Blues will now move onto tomorrow’s intermediate round in a strong position, where they will face Sao Paulo and Heidenheim from the corresponding group.
Points accumulated from today’s group stage carry through to the forthcoming intermediate round, with the four teams who have accrued the most overall points to contest the semi-finals and final later in the afternoon.
Played at the lively Glaspalast indoor arena, there was certainly a healthy turn-out from the locals as the fast-paced format meant little time for turnaround between matches.
Indeed, the Gers were quick to make an impression at the six-a-side tournament, producing a positive 2-1 triumph over Manchester United in their opening group game.
Josh Gentles was at the double for the Light Blues – his second of which was a smart finish after an exquisite flick on the halfway line – and Rangers held out despite pressure from United after the English side pulled a goal back in the second period.
Soon followed was a clash with a talented Borussia Monchengladbach side, with the defensive resolve of Rangers once again coming to the fore.
It was another Gentles goal which settled the scoring; the 17-year-old pouncing on a lapse in concentration from the German side’s goalkeeper to nod home from close range.
Bayern Munich were next up to conclude Group B action and the German side flexed their muscles in a convincing victory.
Cameron Scott was on the scoresheet for the Light Blues and, despite suffering defeat, the form of the Gers in their opening two fixtures ensured a second-placed finish in a star-studded group.
Gentles, who netted three of Rangers’ four goals in the group stage, said of the side’s start to the tournament: “We started the day really well and got two really good wins against big teams.
“The last game was hard as Bayern were really good physically and technically, but we’ve put ourselves in a good position heading into tomorrow.
“We have adapted quite well to the format and, with the exception of the last game, we have defended really well. We started to use the boards at the side more as the games went on.
“Even if you come first in the group then fourth in the corresponding group certainly isn’t going to be a bad team. Anyone can beat anyone.”
Rangers will kick off tomorrow’s intermediate round action against Brazilian side Sao Paulo at 11AM UK time, which you can watch live on the Mercedes-Benz Junior Cup website.