Ryan Naderi’s second-half strike handed Rangers a narrow first-leg advantage over Jablonec, but Derek McInnes’ side were forced to defend their lead with ten men after Cammy Devlin’s red card.

Rangers take a slender advantage to the Czech Republic after beating Jablonec 1-0 at Ibrox in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League play-off.

Ryan Naderi scored the only goal of the night shortly after half-time, but the victory was far from comfortable for Derek McInnes’ side, who were forced to play the final stages with ten men following Cammy Devlin’s dismissal.

The result gives Rangers something to take into next week’s return leg, but McInnes was quick to acknowledge that his side remain a work in progress.

After Sunday’s emphatic 5-1 victory over St Mirren, there was a noticeable drop in performance during a first half which ended with the Ibrox crowd voicing their frustration.

Jablonec looked organised and were able to frustrate Rangers’ attempts to build momentum, with the visitors creating the first meaningful opportunity of the evening when Polidar tested Ivor Pandur inside the opening five minutes.

Rangers gradually began to find their feet, with Djeidi Gassama seeing an effort saved before Vanja Dragojevic went close from distance.

Dragojevic then came closest to breaking the deadlock in the 26th minute when his effort struck the post, as Rangers struggled to turn possession into clear-cut chances.

Naderi also had an opportunity before the interval after a cut-back from Thelo Aasgaard found him in a dangerous position, but the striker couldn’t make the necessary connection.

The home side needed a response after the break — and they got it just five minutes into the second half.

Dan Neil delivered the ball towards the back post, where Daisuke Yokota headed it back across goal.

Naderi was in the right place at the right time, smashing the ball into the roof of the net from close range to give Rangers a 1-0 lead.

The goal immediately lifted the atmosphere inside Ibrox and Rangers had an excellent opportunity to double their advantage shortly afterwards.

Naderi turned provider for Gassama, but with the forward presented with a golden opportunity from close range, he somehow lifted his effort over the crossbar.

That miss would prove increasingly significant as the game entered its final stages.

McInnes introduced Cammy Devlin from the bench, but the midfielder’s evening lasted just five minutes.

Devlin was shown a straight red card after a high challenge on Jablonec’s Jiri Slama. The decision was reviewed and ultimately upheld, leaving Rangers with ten men for the closing stages.

McInnes later admitted there was no argument with the dismissal, although he felt the incident looked worse than the actual intent behind the challenge.

Rangers were forced to manage the game rather than push for a second, with Jablonec unable to make their numerical advantage count.

The Czech side will know they remain very much alive in the tie, but Rangers have at least secured a lead to take into the second leg.

For McInnes, the clean sheet and victory represent another small step in a rebuilding process that is still very much underway.

The Rangers boss admitted there is “still loads of work to do”, while stressing the importance of building confidence through winning matches.

He also highlighted the need for greater composure, communication and responsibility from his players as they continue to adapt to his methods.

The 4-3-3 system has now produced consecutive victories, following Sunday’s win over St Mirren, although McInnes has previously suggested that he would prefer to play with two strikers.

For now, though, Rangers have another victory, another clean sheet and a lead to defend.

The real test comes next Thursday.

Rangers travel to Jablonec for the second leg knowing that a draw will be enough to secure their place in the Conference League group stage — but based on Thursday night’s performance, McInnes knows his side will have to improve if they are to finish the job.

Rangers 1-0 Jablonec

⚽ Rangers: Ryan Naderi (50′)

🟥 Rangers: Cammy Devlin (74′)

Next up: Jablonec vs Rangers — Thursday, August 27