Zambian striker Fashion Sakala scored for Rangers FC as they beat Real Madrid 2-1 on Sunday in the host club’s last pre-season friendly before the Scottish Premiership new campaign.
After the game, he tweeted: “I am proud of the team’s fighting spirit and great victory. Very happy to get my first Goal at our home IBROX in the presence of the fans.”
Sakala has since said it was unbelievable playing in front of the vocal home fans at Ibrox Stadium and he is still having to pinch himself to believe he graced such an occasion.
“I was surprised yesterday by the noise [of the fans] but my teammates have said that I need to wait until the stadium is full and that I haven’t seen how they bounce, so I am waiting for that!, ” he told Rangers TV.
The Chipolopolo striker said he was still finding his feet at Rangers having signed towards the end of last season from Belgian side Oostende.
“My teammates are making things a little easier for me, the support I am receiving from the team and the technical staff makes me feel more comfortable.
“I was in quarantine for 14 days so it was a little bit stressful but I’ve had some great support from the club and the messages from the players when I was in quarantine was very helped me to settle in,” Sakala said.
During the friendly, Madrid scored first through Rodrygo before Sakala lashed the ball into the back of the net in the 50th minute, then Cedric Itten sealed the victory over the Carlo Ancelotti’s men.
Starting line-ups:
RANGERS: McGregor, Tavernier (c) (Jones, 72), Goldson (Balogun, 85), Helander (Simpson, 45), Barisic (Bassey, 61), Davis (Kelly, 85), Lundstram (Arfield, 45), Wright (Kamara, 45), Hagi (Patterson, 61), Kent (Middleton, 61) Sakala (Itten, 61).
MADRID: Lunin, Nacho, Marcelo, Vazquez (Marvin, 61), Jovic (Arribas, 45), Odriozola, Odegaard (Morante, 61), Isco, Rodrygo, Chust (Gila, 64), Blanco.