Rangers suffered a 2-1 defeat at Jagiellonia in the Europa League third qualifying round first leg, extending their winless run in European away games to nine. The Ibrox side now face a crucial return leg at home next Thursday, with manager Derek McInnes under pressure to turn things around.
Defensive frailties exposed
Despite taking an early lead through Guilherme Montoia's own goal, Rangers were woeful defensively and lacked resilience as the Poles secured a deserved victory. The home side's fans unveiled an Iron Man tifo before kick-off, but it was Jagiellonia's winger Kajetan Szmyt who provided the real spectacle, scoring twice in the first half.
McInnes handed debuts to Daisuke Yokota and Vanja Dragojevic, while leaving skipper Lawrence Shankland on the bench. The manager will hope to strengthen his squad before the return game at Ibrox.
Not Poles apart
Despite the bad night in Bialystok, the tie is far from over. Jagiellonia are a decent outfit with quality players, but they can be got at. Rangers had chances to level in the second half, with substitute Findlay Curtis hitting the post late on. There isn't a lot between the sides, and McInnes will believe his team can turn it around at Ibrox.
Demented Del
McInnes was visibly frustrated on the touchline at his players' defending and decision-making. The first goal conceded was rank rotten defensively, with Ross McCrorie not doing enough to stop a cross and no one clearing as it drifted past Ivor Pandur. The second goal infuriated him even more, as Dan Neil's poor pass led to a counter-attack and a slip by Emmanuel Fernandez allowed the Poles to score.
Daisuke debut
New Japanese winger Daisuke Yokota was signed just 48 hours before the game but was thrown into a European debut. The 26-year-old filled a gap on the right of Rangers' attack, showing eagerness to cut inside onto his left foot. However, it was a difficult night for him, and he was hooked at half-time.
Captain Dan
McInnes made a big call to leave out new skipper Lawrence Shankland, giving the armband to summer signing Dan Neil. Neil, renowned for his passing, was too loose in possession and his poor ball led to Jagiellonia's second goal. He was replaced at the break by Nico Raskin, who took the captaincy.
Silky Szmyt
Rangers struggled all night to deal with Kajetan Szmyt, who had a major influence on the game. The Polish winger gave McCrorie a torrid time, scoring twice in the first half. He was a constant threat, and neither Rangers nor McCrorie could handle him.
