Rangers face an uphill battle to progress in the Europa League after a 2-1 defeat to Jagiellonia Bialystok in the first leg of their third qualifying round tie. The Scottish giants, under new manager Derek McInnes, conceded two goals in eight minutes after taking an early lead, leaving them with a deficit to overturn at Ibrox next week.
Early lead squandered
Rangers took the lead through Guilherme Montoia's own goal, but defensive lapses allowed the Polish side to turn the match around. McInnes' men improved after the break, with substitute Findlay Curtis hitting the post late on, but the damage was done.
The defeat marks two games without a win for McInnes, who is in the midst of a major rebuild at the Glasgow club. His side's defending has come under fire from media outlets across the globe.
World media reaction
Polish outlet Weszlo described Rangers as "a big company, but right now the club resembles one giant construction site," adding that it was "no coincidence that the Scottish team finished only third in the league last season."
Belgian publication DH noted that both Belgian players, Tuur Rommens and Nicolas Raskin, received yellow cards, with Raskin brought on at halftime to play as a number 10. They said Rangers created chances but failed to convert.
Goal (Poland) wrote: "The Scots came for what they deserved, but it was Jagiellonia that wrote the story," while ESPN (America) said Rangers "paid the price for sloppy defending."
Dutch outlet AD said Rangers were "embarrassed" and highlighted poor defending "that you would not expect from Derek McInnes after last season with Hearts."
Sport (Poland) celebrated Kajetan Szmyt, who "twice dismantled the 55-time Scottish champions' defence in just eight minutes," giving Jagiellonia a "small advantage" ahead of the second leg.
