IBROX STADIUM - Rangers' European campaign suffered a devastating blow as Austrian outsiders Sturm Graz snatched a dramatic late victory in Glasgow, leaving the Light Blues' Europa League progression hopes dangling by the thinnest of threads.
In a match where Rangers dominated possession and created numerous opportunities, it was the visitors who delivered the ultimate sucker punch in the dying moments. Substitute Philipp Stankovic, son of former Lazio goalkeeper Marco, emerged as the unlikely hero for the Austrian side, firing home from close range to silence the Ibrox faithful.
A Night of Frustration for the Light Blues
Philippe Clement's men controlled large periods of the encounter but found themselves repeatedly thwarted by an organised Sturm Graz defence and their inspired goalkeeper. The Scottish giants thought they had broken the deadlock early when Cyriel Dessers found the net, only for the celebrations to be cut short by the linesman's flag.
Rabbi Matondo provided a spark after coming off the bench, testing the Austrian keeper with a powerful drive, while James Tavernier came agonisingly close with one of his trademark set-pieces. Yet despite their territorial dominance, Rangers couldn't find the crucial breakthrough.
Late Heartbreak Seals Scottish Sides' Fate
As the clock ticked into the final ten minutes, Sturm Graz demonstrated why they sit second in the Austrian Bundesliga. A swift counter-attack caught Rangers' defence off guard, and when the ball fell to Stankovic in the penalty area, the young midfielder made no mistake, sending the travelling supporters into raptures.
The result leaves Rangers with just one point from their opening two Group C matches, piling pressure on their upcoming double-header against Spanish outfit Real Betis. With Sturm Graz now level on points with the group leaders, Clement's men face an uphill battle to keep their European dreams alive.
This defeat marks another disappointing chapter in what has been a challenging European campaign for Scottish clubs, raising questions about the nation's coefficient and future participation in continental competitions.
