Ryan Naderi scored for the second game running to give Rangers a 1-0 first-leg victory over FK Jablonec in their Conference League play-off tie at Ibrox. However, Derek McInnes' side will need to improve significantly next week in the Czech Republic to reach the group stage.
Rangers were reduced to 10 men in the second half when substitute Cammy Devlin was sent off shortly after coming off the bench. Despite the numerical disadvantage, McInnes' men held on for the win in a lacklustre display.
Makhanya Impresses as New Signing
Defender Olwethu Makhanya was the best player on the night, earning an 8/10 rating. The new signing looked capable of operating at a high level, showing quickness, decisiveness, and solid defensive instincts. Fellow new boy James Penrice also impressed with a 7/10, though he appeared frustrated at the lack of quality around him.
For much of the new-look Rangers squad, there remains work to do to convince the home support and their manager. The team produced a poor first half, lacking urgency and intensity, with few chances created. They improved after the break, with Naderi scoring the winner from Daisuke Yokota's cut-back.
Devlin's Nightmare Cameo
Cammy Devlin replaced Vanja Dragojevic in midfield but was only on the pitch for five minutes before being sent off. His over-the-top tackle on Slama resulted in a red card after a VAR check, leaving Rangers with 10 men. He received a 1/10 rating and will now be suspended for the second leg next Thursday.
Ivor Pandur had a quiet night in goal with no saves of note to make, earning a 6/10. Dujon Sterling, under pressure after the arrival of Kosta Nedeljkovic, failed to put a strong case forward for keeping his place, also scoring 6/10. Emmanuel Fernandez was rated 5/10, with the centre-back now in serious danger of being dropped when Ben Godfrey is fit again.
Mixed Performances Across the Pitch
Dan Neil, given the captaincy, failed to control the game in the first half but improved after the break, producing an excellent cross for Yokota to set up Naderi's goal. He scored 6/10. Tochi Chukwuani stayed on for the full 90 but played on the periphery, earning a 5/10. Vanja Dragojevic hit the post in the first half and was rated 6/10.
Daisuke Yokota had a quiet first half but got his first assist for the club after the break, sneaking in at the back post to nod across for Naderi. He scored 6/10. Ryan Naderi, the big German striker, scored a tap-in for the winner and earned a 6/10 for his work rate. Djeidi Gassama was Rangers' most dangerous attacker at times but missed a sitter at the back post that could have given Gers a vital first-leg cushion, also scoring 6/10.
Among the substitutes, Findlay Curtis came on for Yokota but had to do more defensive work after Devlin's red card, earning 3/10. Connor Barron replaced Neil in midfield and tried to help Gers hold on for the victory, also scoring 3/10. Kosta Nedeljkovic, on loan from Aston Villa, made his Ibrox debut in place of Gassama, slotting into right-back as Rangers went to a five-man defence to secure a vital clean sheet, earning 2/10. Lawrence Shankland was thrown on at the death for Naderi but had no time to make an impact, also scoring 2/10.
