Swedish side Malmo clinched a shock 2-1 victory of over Scottish champions Rangers in a thrilling Champions League qualifying encounter.

Soren Rieks and Veljko Birmancevic scored within two minutes of the restart to put Malmo in command, and they looked set to maintain their lead, but for Steven Davis' crucial intervention.

Davis' "big moment" has given Rangers "an important lifeline" in their quest to reach the Champions League group stage despite defeat by Malmo, says manager Steven Gerrard.

Davis rattled the ball home from the edge of the box in the 95th minute of a difficult night for the Scottish champions in Sweden.

The lone goal places Rangers in a stronger position for the return leg next Tuesday at Ibrox, where they boast a formidable record.

"It's not the position we wanted to be in but it's a lot better than going in at 2-0. We were also on the verge of it going worse as well," Gerrard told Rangers TV.

"We're going to have to go up levels individually and collectively for next week. In my honest opinion there are six or seven that need to raise their level and raise it sharply."