Rangers took another step towards the Europa League group stage with a precious 1-0 first-leg win at Osijek in the second qualifying round on Thursday.
Alfredo Morelos' first-half header gave Steven Gerrard's side a handy advantage to take back to Ibrox for next week's return encounter.
The 18th-minute effort, which came courtesy of a James Tavernier cross, ended an early period of nerves that had threatened to unravel their hopes of building on the first-round success against Macedonian minnows Shkupi.
Osijek started the brighter of the two sides on home soil and carved out a pair of promising opportunities in the opening 15 minutes.
Morelos fighting for every ball in Osijek. July 26, 2018
Mirko Maric was the culprit for missing both, the striker first volleying over the bar from close-range and then wastefully turning wide on the end of a classy one-touch move.
And the Croatian outfit were made to pay for their profligacy, Morelos soon nodding Tavernier's right-sided delivery into the bottom-left corner.
Rangers retained their lead at the break but would again face a period of scrutiny as Osijek lifted the tempo in search of an equaliser.
Defender Tavernier crucially steered a goal-bound Alen Grgic effort off the line within four minutes of the restart before Allan McGregor came to the rescue with a fine save with his feet as the ever-present Maric attempted to sneak a shot inside the near post.
Gerrard's men managed to settle the contest after those scares and, despite the occasional concerning moment in the latter stages, were comfortable enough in sealing a lead that should see them through to the third qualifying round.
