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Former Celtic defender Yuki Kobayashi helped Jagiellonia Białystok secure a 2-1 first-leg victory over Rangers in their Europa League qualifier in Poland. Rangers went ahead after only four minutes through a Guilherme Montóia own goal, but Jagiellonia recovered quickly. An Emmanuel Fernandez own goal brought the Polish side level before Kajetan Szmyt completed the turnaround midway through the first half. Kobayashi then played an important role in keeping Rangers out as the visitors pushed forward after the break. He made several timely interventions inside his own penalty area and produced his biggest moment with nine minutes remaining. Jagiellonia goalkeeper Sławomir Abramowicz initially denied Findlay Curtis, but the loose ball fell to Ross McCrorie in a dangerous position. Kobayashi reacted quickly and put himself in front of McCrorie’s powerful effort, making a vital block to protect his side’s advantage. The 26-year-old was booked late in the game but remained calm as Jagiellonia saw out the closing stages and secured a useful lead ahead of the return match at Ibrox. His opportunities were limited, and he was unable to displace the club’s more established central defenders during his time in Glasgow. The defender looked far more settled against Rangers, handling the pressure well and helping Jagiellonia stand firm when the visitors increased the tempo. His late block was one of the key moments of the evening and ensured the Polish side will travel to Glasgow with something to defend. Rangers must now overturn the one-goal deficit in the second leg, while Kobayashi will hope to produce another strong performance on his return to Scotland.