Rangers defeated PSV Eindhoven 3-2 on aggregate in the playoff round to advance to the Champions League group stage for the first time in 12 years.

The Gers won the rematch 1-0 on Wednesday night at the Philips Stadion following a thrilling 2-2 draw in the first leg played at Ibrox. Summer signing Antonio Colak scored the game's only goal at the hour mark.

When the Champions League group stage draw is made on Thursday at 17:00 (BST) in Istanbul, Rangers will now be paired with their Glasgow rivals Celtic in Pot 4, while PSV will drop down into the Europa League.

Although Rangers, who decided to omit star striker Alfredo Morelos, responded well and enjoyed a dominant 15-to-20 minute period midway through the first half, Ruud van Nistelrooy's team made a strong opening.

John Lundstram's side-footed shot from the edge of the penalty area in the 26th minute was the best opportunity for the visitors in the opening period, but it went just wide.

After that, PSV finished the first half strongly and pressed hard for the opener in the final 10 minutes, with Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s men desperate to hear the half-time whistle.

Rangers conceded from two corners in the first leg, and they were fortunate not to concede from another in the 38th minute when Ibrahim Sangare – who scored at Ibrox last week – found himself unmarked in the penalty box before watching his header glide over the crossbar.

Jordan Teze threatened down the right flank and picked out captain Luuk de Jong in the 42nd minute, but the latter could only direct his stretching effort straight at goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin.

Manchester United target Cody Gakpo then fired a glorious chance over the crossbar just moments later after bursting past a few Rangers defenders on the edge of the area.