RANGERS have giving themselves a mountain to climb after a 3-1 defeat to Club Brugge in their Champions League play-off first leg.
Ibrox was full of expectation ahead of kick off but within 20 minutes some were walking out after three calamitous goals were conceded by Russell Martin’s men.
3
3
3
A spirited second-half display saw them pull one back and could have scored a second, but Gassama’s goal was chalked off by VAR, who had adjudged the attacker to kick the ball out of Mignolet’s hands.
Here SunSport assess the performances of the players in blue.
JACK BUTLAND: Horror mix-up with Nasser Djiga gifted Brugge the early lead. Made a great stop to deny ex-Ajax winger Carlos Forbs a fourth goal in the fraught first half… 5
MAX AARONS: In ahead of James Tavernier but well short of the captain’s quality. Was cut some slack when on the left, but this is meant to be his best position. Booked… 4
NASSER DJIGA: Stopped running when he thought Butland was clearing at opener. Already out of the weekend game at St Mirren, this was his shakiest display so far… 3
JOHN SOUTTAR: Slight deflection on Jorne Spileers’ shot for Brugge’s second. Handed the armband but couldn’t lead the team back into the game. Big call awaits on his contract… 4
JAYDEN MEGHOMA: Instant debut for on-loan Brentford teen and he won’t have many tougher nights. Created the goal for Danilo at the start of the second half… 5
JOE ROTHWELL: Headed straight to Brandon Mechele for the third goal inside the first 20 minutes. Doesn’t bring the midfield energy of Lyall Cameron and had no impact… 4
NICO RASKIN: Belgium lost out to his classy countrymen and question marks now hang over his future, with Gers likely to miss out on Champions League riches… 5
MO DIOMANDE: Sparked comeback in last month’s 2-2 friendly draw with Brugge at Ibrox but had no answer this time. Anonymous as Gers came off second best… 4
OLIVER ANTMAN: Thrilling debut at home to Viktoria Plzen but the sequel never lived up to the original. Carried no threat to Brugge as Gers crash towards Europa League… 4
DJEIDI GASSAMA: He’d hit four goals in the Champions League qualifiers, but there was no joy for him in this one. So unlucky to have a late effort ruled out by VAR.. 6
DANILO: Brazilian frontman started in place of crocked Cyriel Dessers and ended a 23-game search for a goal, stretching back to the win over Celtic at New Year…5
SUBS: Hamza Igamane (3) on for scorer Danilo. Thelo Aasgaard (3) took Diomande’s place. Mikey Moore (3) Kid replaced Antman. James Tavernier (3) on for Meghoma. Lyall Cameron (2) got last five minutes for Rothwell.
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
