Rangers' self-inflicted mistakes were punished in Poland as they allowed Jagiellonia Bialystok to snatch a Europa League lead. Ironically, it was Gers who were gifted the opening goal when Rodrigo Conceicao bundled a Tuur Rommens cross into his own net after just four minutes. But Derek McInnes' men were just as generous with their defending as they threw away that early lead.
Early lead squandered
Kajetan Szmyt scored the first of his two goals on 11 minutes when a cross-cum-shot was allowed to bounce through a scrum in the box and all the way into Ivor Pandur's net. If that was embarrassing, there was a big shambles to come as Bialystok pounced on a rapid counter attack. Dan Neil gave away possession when an easy pass to new signing Daisuke Yokota was on. As the hosts put the cross in, Emmanuel Fernandez slipped. Pandur did his best to spare his defender with a wonder save from Jesus Imaz but was beaten as Szmyt gobbled up the loose ball.
Late rally not enough
Sub Findlay Curtis nearly snatched a late leveller when he rattled the post in stoppage-time but McInnes' team must now overturn the deficit next week at Ibrox if they are to avoid dropping down into the Conference League. Here Record Sport assesses how the Ibrox men performed.
Rangers ratings
IVOR PANDUR: Didn't have a clear view as Kajetan Szmyt's delivery from the left-hand side came through a forest of legs. By the time the Croatian keeper saw it, the ball was already on its way over his goal line. Made a great save from Jesus Imaz but helpless as Szmyt buried the rebound. Some big saves later mean Gers have a chance for the second leg. 6
ROSS McCRORIE: Twisted inside out as he failed to stop Szmyt getting the cross-cum-shot that cancelled out the Light Blues' early opener. So close to a late equaliser but denied by former Celt Yuki Kobayashi's heroic block. 5
MANNY FERNANDEZ: Should have cleared the danger as Szmyt's ball came skidding into the box. Instead kicked at fresh air and turned to look in horror as it trickled into the bottom corner. Horror slip for second goal compounded that mistake as the big centre-back put in another overly-casual display. 5
DUJON STERLING: Shifted inside to centre-back after being preferred to new signing Makhanya to replace the crocked Ben Godfrey. Made a string of vital interceptions but lucky not to gift the Poles a third when his slack pass put Sergio Lozano through on Pandur's goal. 6
TUUR ROMMENS: Helped get Gers off to the perfect start when he linked up well with Diomande down the left before delivering the low cross which Guilherme Montoia bundled into his own net. Had to be on his best behaviour after being booked for clattering winger Rodrigo Conceicao moments later. 6
DAN NEIL: Took on the armband as Lawrence Shankland dropped to the bench but found himself taking a seat at the interval after a muted 45 minutes. Chose the wrong pass as Rangers worked space down the right and was savagely punished as Jagiellonia raced up the park to score their second. 4
MOHAMED DIOMANDE: Criticised by fans after Dundee United display but given another chance by McInnes. Looked to have repaid him as a clever exchange of passes with Rommens opened up the Poles' defence for the early OG. But so many other wasteful moments - including a huge headed chance with 20 remaining - had punters groaning again. 5
TOCHI CHUCKWUANI: A surprise starter having failed to sparkle in pre-season and didn't any brighter here. Left on a tightrope when he was cautioned for leaving a sore one on Norbert Wojtuszek. No surprise to see him hooked at half-time. 4
DAISUKE YOKOTA: New £2.75m Japanese ace was thrown in for a baptism of fire amid sweltering conditions reaching 32 degrees but couldn't provide the spark Gers needed. Taken off at the break as McInnes rang the changes. 5
THELO AASGAARD: Has looked a new man in flashes over pre-season since his World Cup adventure but this was a return to last year's usual service. Couple of nice tricks and turns but seldom in the areas that could hurt the hosts. 5
YOUSSEF CHERMITI: Asked to lead the line by himself as Shankland was benched but while he was starved of service, the big Portuguese frontman didn't do enough to go hunting for the ball himself. 5
Subs
NICO RASKIN (for Neil, 46): McInnes said he'd make full use of the Belgian World Cup star while he still has him but only called on him after his side fell behind. Did his best to rescue the situation but Rangers have it all to do at Ibrox next week. 4
FINDLAY CURTIS (for Yokota, 46): So close to an equaliser rattled the woodwork in stoppage time. Put in some teasing crosses but no takers were on hand. 4
CAMMY DEVLIN (for Chuckwuani, 46): Added bite in midfield but spurned a great chance as he failed to pull the trigger while through on the keeper. Had another effort tipped over. 3
VANJA DRAGOJEVIC (for Aasgaard, 76): On in midfield for his debut but had to slot in at right-back in the closing stages. 2
LAWRENCE SHANKLAND (for McCRORIE, 85): Flung on at the depth. Couldn't stab home a loose ball. 2
