Rangers Archives - Page 11 of 16

‘He will test you’ – Ex-Rangers coach weighs in on the treatment of Nico Raskin

Raskin was bombed out of the squad for the last two Premiership fixtures, as the under-fire Martin stated that the midfielder has to gain the ‘trust’ of the players and staff at the football club. This week Martin and the squad visited Loch Lomond for a team bonding session, two days following their 2-0 loss to Hearts at Ibrox, which left the Light Blues 10th in the league. It’s the Gers’ worst league start in 47 years and have only managed to win three of their last 12 games. The Rangers faithful have given up on the Englishman with fan groups such as the Union Bears and the Rangers Fan Advisory Board demanding for his dismissal. One person who knows the Belgian international well is former Rangers star and coach Billy Dodds, who was part of Barry Ferguson’s backroom team last season. Speaking on Go Radio, Dodds said that Raskin is the type of player who will ask questions and test you, but believes that’s a positive thing: “Raskin will test you football-wise. But if it gets personal, you sort him. “He’s not bad, he’s a good lad. “He just wants to question why you’re doing this football-wise, why you’re doing that football-wise and I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that. “I’d prefer it if they just went okay and got on with it but we’re not all like that, we’re not all the same personalities. “But he’s not a personal boy and this is where I’m a bit confused. “If it is personal then no problem he’s out the team, and it does seem a bit personal between him and Russell Martin, and I think that’s where the problem lies. “If it’s football, and you keep it football, and he’s testing you, then you keep him in the team because he’s your best player.”

September 18, 2025

Axed Rangers boss Philippe Clement claims he’s still ‘well-liked in Glasgow’

Former Rangers boss Philippe Clement claims that he’s still well-liked and appreciated by the Ibrox faithful seven months after his brutal sacking. The Belgian joined the Light Blues in October 2023, replacing then manager Michael Beale but was sacked after only 16 months in charge. The 51-year-old started his time off in Glasgow well as the Gers won the Premier Sports Cup and finished top of their Europa League group, and reached the last 16 of the competition. However, it ended catastrophically the following season as his side were trailing Celtic in the league by 13 points and got dumped out of the Scottish Cup 1-0 to Championship side Queens Park, which ultimately led to Clement’s downfall. Speaking to Belgian media outlet GVA, the Antwerp-born manager said that it’s still difficult to try and get over how he left the Ibrox club: “I sometimes find it hard to put that out of my mind, because the circumstances in which something like that happens aren’t always known to the outside world, and that’s why it’s hard for me to call it dismissal. “The trick is to see through it. I may have joined those clubs at the wrong time. But I’m still well-liked in Monaco and Glasgow because they know the work I’ve done.” The former Monaco boss recently had hip surgery but is looking forward to making a return to the dugout in the near future, he added: “I’m not ready yet, and I’m talking about that hip surgery. I’ve only been walking without crutches since last week. “It won’t be for another two or three weeks before I’m ready to get back into it. “And something will come up. I’m sure of that. I also want to keep working abroad.” “New adventures, new cultures, a certain way of working. I like Belgium, you know, but I was really captivated in Monaco and Glasgow, and I want to keep gaining experience. “Not even as a national coach or anything like that. I still want to be on that pitch, working with the players every day. I still love doing that.”

September 17, 2025

‘My situation at the club is complicated’ – Nico Raskin breaks silence on Rangers future

Nico Raskin breaks his silence on his Rangers future as he vows to fight for a place in Russell Martin’s team. It’s been a rocky start to the season at Ibrox for Raskin as he was bombed out of the squad for the Light Blues’ Old Firm clash. The 24-year-old wasn’t training with the first team before the derby but the Rangers boss has denied there has been a breakdown in their relationship. The midfielder was able to put his issues at the Govan club behind him, as he scored his first goal for Belgium in their 6-0 victory against Kazakhstan. Raskin is set for showdown talks with Martin and Sporting Director Kevin Thelwell after the international break. The former Standard Liege man told Belgian media outlet Voetbalkrant that his situation at the Ibrox club is complicated but doesn’t want to leave anytime soon: “My situation at the club is complicated. I will return, work hard, and try to get playing time again. “But it’s not just up to me. I know this is an important year, and I absolutely want to be part of this campaign with Belgium. “Football is simply a game of ups and downs. I absolutely love Rangers. “I’ve had some great moments there and have a strong bond with the fans. I always try to give my all. “A transfer? No, that’s out of the question. I want to continue to resolve this at the club.” Martin’s side have a huge week ahead of them, as they have an all important league fixture coming up against Hearts at Ibrox as they seek to get their first league win of the season.

September 8, 2025

Reviewing Each Scottish Premiership Club’s Transfer Business

A summer of change across the Scottish Premiership with five new managers in the door across the division, a summer of wheeling and dealing ensued as clubs looked to shape their squads. We review the business of each club and unpack the winners and losers of the window. Aberdeen – 6/10 Fresh on the back of an impressive Scottish Cup win, Aberdeen’s main priority was to strengthen the side to be capable of competing on all four fronts, as they secured a place in European Football. Jimmy Thelin looked to the Scandinavian market, bringing in Krtjan Mar Kjartansson and Kenan Bilalovic. Alfie Dorrington returned for a season-long loan from Tottenham to bolster the backline, while Kusini Yengi was brought into the club for attacking options. Aberdeen’s window was heavily focused on the forward areas. They sold cup final hero Shayden Morris as well as the club’s talisman, Pape Gueye, which weakened the squad. Their deadline day was the most successful, bringing in Kevin Nisbet and exciting winger Jesper Karlsson. A mixed window for the Dons, as they have brought in a lot of youthful talent, while losing two key players. The addition of Karlsson saved their window from being lacklustre. Celtic – 3/10 Going into the summer as Champions, it was clear to see Celtic needed attacking reinforcements. Buoyed by the return of Kieran Tierney, it looked like it was going to be an exciting window for the Hoops. Nicolas Kuhn left the club to join Italian side Como, whilst fringe players Palma and Tillio departed alongside him to Poland and Austria. Having sold Kyogo Furahashi in January, a new striker was top of the shopping list; however, this failed to come to fruition. Benjamin Nygren, Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Sebastian Toukneti look to have bolstered Celtic out wide; however, their lack of a number nine is an issue. Callum Osmand and Shin Yamada look to be project players, whilst Adam Idah has been sold to Swansea. Kelechi Iheanacho has since been brought in; however, this is outside the window, so it doesn’t count towards their rating. All in all, a poor window for Celtic, where they leave it weaker than when they entered. Dundee – 5/10 Tony Docherty replaced by Steven Pressley as a summer of change engulfed the Dens Park Side. Losing key players Josh Mulligan, Lyall Cameron and Mo Sylla, it was an important first window for Pressley. Yan Dhanda is their signing of the summer as he looks to rediscover his Ross County form. Paul Digby and Drey Wright look to be a good bit of business. However, it has been a summer of unknown at Dundee. There are a lot of question marks over their signings, with youthful players sprinkled in alongside experienced ones. Dundee United – 6/10 European Football secured Jim Goodwin set off to strengthen his squad for the European qualifiers, having lost a large number of players. It was an interesting window from the Tanadice side, with a lot of unknowns from across Europe joining the club. Zac Sapsford and Ivan Dolcek look to be the finds for the club, looking very impressive early on. The return of Liverpool loanee Luca Stephenson also boosted Jim Goodwin. There are many unknowns surrounding Dundee United’s transfer window, including the signings of Lucie Lovu, Bert Esselink, and Dario Naamo, to name a few. The Tangerines have expanded their presence in the European market by bringing in ten players from across the continent. The only issue with Jim Goodwin’s business is the number of loans, as they are in key areas of the pitch, although some do have the option to buy. Falkirk – 4/10 Falkirk, after a long hiatus, returned to the top flight of Scottish football. Their window, however, does not exactly scream we are here to stay. Scott Bain was the marquee signing joining from Celtic following the expiry of his contract. Brian Graham was also brought in; his experience is sure to help the Bairns. Four loan deals Falkirk look set to repay the faith to the players who helped them reach the Premiership. However, it’s been a poor window in which they haven’t strengthened enough to maintain Premiership status. Hearts – 8/10 Fresh from the investment of Tony Bloom and the addition of Jamestown Analytics, Hearts have had one of the best windows in the league. Alexandros Kyziridis and Claudio Braga have added an exciting option on the wing, with the latter enjoying a great start to life at Tyencastle. Elton Kabangu made his move permanent after spending the latter end of last season on loan. Whilst the club shelled out a club record fee to bring in exciting young midfielder Ageu from Portuguese side Santa Clara. Stuart Findlay was brought in as a favourite of Derek McInnes to tighten up the backline. Hearts also made a healthy profit from the sale of James Penrice, a man they paid nothing for the previous summer. It has been an exciting window for Hearts, the only downside being that their squad does look slightly bulky, as they have failed to ship out some of the deadwood. The likes of Kenneth Vargas remain at the club despite not being in the plans. Hibernian – 9/10 Hibs, for me, have had the best summer in the Scottish Premiership. Jamie McGrath and Josh Mulligan joined the Leith side on free transfers following the expiration of their contracts elsewhere. The Easter Road side also shelled out a reported one million pounds for striker Thiabult Klidje. Grant Hanley, a seasoned professional, made the move to Scotland after spending the majority of his career in the south. He adds stability to the backline, which, at times last season, looked shaky. Going out the door was Dylan Vente, who left the club after failing to impress in his time in the capital. Whilst Moriah-Welsh and Ekpiteta left to join clubs down south. Excellent business from the Leith side, as their new signings have fitted in seamlessly, and they look to have really strengthened their side

September 3, 2025

Points Shared between Rangers and Celtic in Dull Derby

Rangers 0-0 Celtic The opening Old Firm ended in a dismal goalless draw as Rangers and Celtic returned to league action. Russell Martin made five changes from their bruising Club Brugge defeat, including a first start for new striker Bojan Miovski, formerly of Aberdeen. Brendan Rodgers also included a new signing in his starting team. Michel-Ange Balikwisha started in a front three beside Benjamin Nygren and Daizen Maeda, after arriving from Royal Antwerp on Thursday. In a frantic start, Rangers looked to wrestle control in a sizzling Ibrox atmosphere. Despite several corner kicks and long throws in the opening exchanges, they could not trouble Kasper Schmeichel in goal. Shortly after, the home support’s penalty protests were waved off by Don Robertson, despite a collision between Miovski and Liam Scales in the box. The home side looked far more structured after their abysmal visit to Belgium. Connor Barron started all four derbies last season and looked an assured presence in midfield. Celtic’s attack was ineffective in the first half. They failed to trouble Jack Butland, with only crosses from Arne Engels and Anthony Ralston coming close to posing a threat Rangers had the next opening after 28 minutes.- Barron lifted the ball forward to Tavernier, but his stabbed cross was put behind for a corner before reaching Miovski. Rangers had the ball in the net four minutes later. John Souttar bravely met Tavernier’s free kick to head past Schmeichel. However, the home side’s celebration was cut short with the Scottish defender fractionally offside. Despite the offside goal, Martin would have been pleased with the solidity of his team. There was a drive about Rangers; their physical nature disrupted Celtic and stopped Callum McGregor from dictating derby day. Rangers looked to build on their encouraging first half. Mikey Moore blazed over for the first second-half chance. Gassama beat Tierney for pace soon after, but Scales blocked his flashed cross. Celtic registered a shot on target at the hour mark. Hatate picked up the ball on the edge of the box but drove his strike straight at Butland to keep the score level. Jack Butland gathered an acrobatic effort after a free kick after 66 minutes, before a double substitution for the away side. Engels and Balikwisha offered little threat and were withdrawn for Shin Yamada and James Forrest. A mix-up in midfield between Gassama and Barron left Yamada through on goal, but Butland was quick to smother the Japanese forward. As the match approached its conclusion, Celtic’s attack sharpened, and a tense atmosphere fell over Ibrox. Neither side was able to force an opener as the game finished goalless. The result means it is four straight draws for Russell Martin’s Rangers. The draw leaves Celtic level on points with Hearts as the first international break beckons. Rangers: Butland 7 Tavernier 7 Djida 6 Souttar 7 Meghoma 6 Barron 7 Diomande 6 Aasgaard 6 Gassama 6 Moore 6 Miovski 6 Substitutes: Antman 6 Dessers 6 Bajrami 5 Celtic: Schmeichel 6 Ralston 6 Carter-Vickers 6 Scales 6 Tierney 5 McGregor 6 Engels 5 Hatate 6 Nygren 5 Balikwisha 5 Maeda 5 Substitutes: Yamada 6 Forrest 6 Saracchi 6

August 31, 2025

Scottish Teams Find Out Their Fate In European Draws

Rangers, Celtic and Aberdeen today all found out their opponents for the league phases of the Europa League and the Europa Conference League. Rangers and Celtic were in pots 1 and 2 of the Europa League draw respectively, whilst Aberdeen found themselves in pot 4 of the Conference League draw following their drop down to the competition last night. The pot 1 part of the draw arguably could not have provided Rangers and Celtic with tougher opponents, with both sides hosting Italian giants AS Roma who are the highest ranked side in the competition as per coefficient. Rangers also have to travel to Portugal to take on 2011 winners FC Porto, the second highest ranked side, whilst Celtic travel to De Kuip to take on Eredivisie giants Feyenoord, who they defeated under Arne Slot in 2023 to end a ten-year Champions League hoodoo. In pot 2, both sides have also been pitted against the 2011 runner ups, Portuguese outfit SC Braga, another side that will be flying in to Glasgow on two separate occasions. Celtic’s away tie from this pot sees them travel to Serbia as they were drawn away to the intimidating atmosphere of the Rajko Mitic Stadium, home of Crvena Zvezda, and Rangers also make the journey to Eastern Europe, as they will play Ferencvaros of Hungary’s capital, Budapest. Pot 3 again sees one side fare up against both of the Glasgow giants in Sturm Graz, however unlike AS Roma and SC Braga, they will only need to make their way to the East End of Glasgow rather than the Southside as well, as they have been drawn away to Celtic and at home to Rangers. Rangers’ home tie of this pot sees them host Ludogerets of Bulgaria, who have won their own top flight 14 times on the trot, whilst Danish side FC Midtjylland host another green and white Scottish club, after they knocked Hibernian out late in extra time in the qualifiers to help themselves reach this stage of the competition. In pot 4, Rangers host Belgian side Genk and travel north to face Brann of Norway, who last faced Scottish opposition last season in the form of St. Mirren in Conference League qualifying. Celtic’s draw was concluded with a visit from Dutch side FC Utrecht, where infamous former Hoops goalkeeper Vasilias Barkas currently plies his trade, and they will also make the journey to Northern Italy to take on FC Bologna, captained by Scotland international Lewis Ferguson. As for Ferguson’s former side, Aberdeen, their 6 Conference League opponents were discovered following the Europa League draw. The Dons host Ukrainian side, and European regulars Shakhtar Donetsk from pot 1, and will also see visits from Ligue 1 opposition Strasbourg and Armenian side Noah, who travelled to the UK last season to play Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the last term’s Conference League, losing 8-0 to the eventual competition winners. There are some enjoyable away days on the cards for the Red Army, as they make the trip to the capital of Czechia to play Sparta Prague. They can also look forward to the slightly warmer climates of Greece’s capital Athens when their side play AEK, and another trip slightly more East to Cyprus, as they face AEK Larnaca, who dumped out a Legia Warsaw side that narrowly beat Hibs last night to deny Scotland having four Scottish sides in European group phase competition.

August 29, 2025

Rangers at a Crossroads: 5 Potential Replacements for Russell Martin

Russell Martin is hanging by a thread. The Rangers boss insists he still has the backing of the Ibrox board; but with the worst start of any permanent Gers manager on record, few fans are buying it. Three straight 1-1 draws have left the new-look Light Blues already six points behind Celtic, and last night’s humiliating 6-0 battering by Club Brugge has torched whatever glimpses of goodwill Martin had left from the support. Now, with the first Old Firm showdown of the season looming on Sunday, supporters are dreading what could be another dark day in a nightmare start. Celtic may have their own problems after a Champions League flop against Kairat Almaty, but Brendan Rodgers and his side be licking their lips at the chance to heap more misery on their oldest rivals and regain some favour amongst their own disgruntled support. Rangers need answers fast. The big-name bosses have been snapped up, meaning the board may have to roll the dice on candidates they’d never have considered in calmer times. Here are five men who could be waiting by the phone if Russell Martin is sent packing. Barry Ferguson Took charge of affairs at the end of last season after the sacking of Philippe Clement, Ferguson was never shy in saying he wanted the job permanently. While he may have felt slighted that Martin got the nod ahead of him, the former captain’s loyalty to the badge can’t be questioned. His brief stint as caretaker was steady if unspectacular, but he brought the best out of Nico Raskin, who has since vanished from Martin’s plans. Joe Rothwell is crying out for a lift, and Lyall Cameron could be moulded into Ferguson’s image if coached by the man himself. Add in the fact he’s unbeaten against Celtic as a boss, including a shock win at Parkhead, and it’s easy to see why his name is back in the mix. Marco Rose Linked with the job early in the summer, the German tactician is without a club after leaving RB Leipzig in March, and his availability has alerted a number of suitors across Europe. Rose is known for his sharp pressing game and ability to shape young players into elite performers, something Rangers badly need after a stuttering summer rebuild that has seen the side look slow, pedantic and disinterested. The sticking point? His wages. Rose won’t come cheap, and whether this new Ibrox board has the gumption for a continental gamble remains to be seen. But landing him would send a statement that Rangers are still a heavyweight name in European football, despite last night’s result looking contrary to that belief. Jose Mourinho He’s the biggest name that could potentially be on the market but could the Special One really rock up in Govan? Jose looks set to depart Fenerbahçe, this week after coming under pressure, and while his trophy cabinet speaks for itself, the fiery Portuguese would come with baggage, and a wage packet that would dwarf anything Rangers have ever offered a manager. Yet stranger things have happened in football. Mourinho loves a project steeped in history and passion, and the thought of him standing in the Ibrox dugout for an Old Firm debut is enough to make fans dream. Mourinho already praised the Ibrox support when he witnessed his Fenerbahçe side lose to Ferguson’s Rangers on penalties in their UEFA Europa League clash last season. It’s a long shot, but it would also be a real statement of intent from the new board. Billy Davies Now back on the grass as technical head coach at Morton, Billy Davies has quietly stepped back into the game and could be a shock name in the frame if Rangers rip things up. The no-nonsense Scot is famed for his ability to light a fire of belief under players, exactly what the current Ibrox squad is crying out for. A proven man-manager who knows Scottish football inside out from his time with Motherwell, Davies showed at Derby and Nottingham Forest that he can take squads far beyond their paper worth, famously hauling a rag-tag Rams side from the Championship basement all the way to the Premier League. He also had a successful spell at Preston North End and a pair of positive stints at Forest. He’s even had a recent taste of frontline management, stepping in to lead Morton against Dunfermline earlier this year, going toe-to-toe with ex-Celtic boss Neil Lennon. Not many fans had Davies on their radar, but with safe bets thin on the ground, could the wildcard be the one to drag Rangers out of their predicament. Sold off at the start of the Graeme Souness revolution as a player, could Davies be the man to kick start the newest era of success at Ibrox? Kevin Muscat A former Ibrox defensive enforcer, Muscat has made waves as a coach in Japan and Australia, building on Ange Postecoglou’s blueprint at Yokohama F. Marinos. His high-energy, attacking football earned admirers, and his Rangers past makes him a natural candidate to restore steel and swagger to the squad. Now managing in China, the former Millwall hard man would bring a steel and grit to a dressing room full of players eager for excuses and someone else to blame. Discipline and hard work would be the orders of a day for a squad guilty of coasting and switching off. With the Chinese Super League still ongoing, and Muscat attempting to defend his league title, it may be hard to sway him to Scotland, especially after he was overlooked for Phillipe Clement a few years previous. As a player Muscat was never trusted to feature in and Old Firm match, could we see him debut as a boss in the very fixture he was excluded from as a player? Muscat has never hidden his ambition to return to Europe, and a tilt at the Ibrox hot seat could be his perfect entry point. But would the fans buy into a disciple

August 28, 2025

Club Brugge humiliate Rangers to Champions League playoff defeat

Club Brugge 6 – 0 Rangers Club Brugge win 9-1 on aggregate A rampant Club Brugge side hit Rangers for six in a humiliating performance, relegating the visitors to the Europa League and piling further pressure on Russell Martin. Martin made two changes from Sunday’s draw with St Mirren with Nasser Djida and Danilo replacing Emmanuel Fernandez and Nicolas Raskin and looking to overturn a 3-1 deficit from the first leg at Ibrox eight days ago. But their hopes were shattered within the opening five minutes as Nicolo Tresoldi directed Joaquin Seys cross past Jack Butland. Things went from bad to worse when Max Aarons was sent off minutes later. The fullback pulled Christos Tzolis to the ground after the Greek attacker had raced clear, leaving Felix Zwayer no choice but to reach for his red card. From here, Rangers’ misery continued. The home side doubled their lead just after the half-hour mark as Hans Vanaken’s powerful header from Tzolis’ corner kick put further daylight between the two sides. Then they rounded off the first half in ruthless fashion, scoring three goals in seven minutes, starting with Seys netting the third on 41 minutes, sidefooting his rebounded strike following Kyriani Sabbe’s cross. The same player made it four shortly after, before Aleksandar Stankovic’s headed home Vanaken’s cross in added time. The half time whistle blew on an atrocious first half for the visitors. Martin had already been forced into a change, bringing James Tavernier on following Aaron’s red card, but made three more substitutes at halftime; Mohamed Diomande, Raskin and Finlay Curtis replacing Theo Aasgaard, Joe Rothwell and Djeidi Gassama. Nicky Hayen’s side continued to dominate, and Greek talent Tzolis, who will surely be involved against Scotland during the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, gathered Tresoldi’s audacious flick to roll past Butland. Brugge continued to dominate proceedings but could not add to their lead. Their victory secures passage to the Champions League draw, which takes place tomorrow evening. Rangers must pick themselves up quickly as Celtic visit Ibrox on Sunday. The humiliating result leaves Russell Martin with just three wins in ten competitive games in the Ibrox hot seat. Club Brugge: Mignolet, Seys (Siquet 58′) Mechele, Spileers, Sabbe (Audoor 72′), Onyedika. Stankovic, Tzolis (Nilsson 58′), Vanaken, Forbs (Diakhon 46′), Tresoldi (Furo 68′) Rangers: Butland, Aarons, Souttar, Djiga, Meghoma, Rothwell (Raskin 46′), Cameron, Aasgaard (Diomandé 46′), Antman (Tavernier 12′) Danilo (Barron 59′), Gassama (Curtis 46′)

August 27, 2025

Ruthless Brugge Stun Rangers in Champions League Play-off

Rangers 1 – 3 Club Brugge Danilo (50′) Vermant (3′) Spileers (7′) Mechele (20′) A ruthless first-half display saw Club Brugge take a huge step towards back-to-back Champions League Qualification against Rangers. Russell Martin made seven changes from Saturday’s 4-2 League Cup victory over Alloa Athletic, including a debut for Brentford loanee Jayden Meghoma. But it was the visitors who enjoyed a dream start after just three minutes as a hopeful forward ball was misjudged by Nasser Djiga, allowing Romeo Vermant to latch on and burst clean through. Bearing down on Jack Butland, he delivered a clever, chipped finish that silenced the home crowd at Ibrox. The lead was doubled shortly after when Christos Tzolis delivered a floated corner for the unmarked Jorne Spileers. The Belgian defender had the freedom of Ibrox to side-foot past Butland. The nightmare for Russell Martin’s side continued after losing a third goal in the 20th minute. Brandon Mechele stepped onto a loose ball on the edge of the box and fired a low, rasping strike past Butland. The disastrous opening period saw some home fans opting for an early exit. Chances for Rangers were few and far between throughout the first half. Joe Rothwell’s free-kick kissed the post, and a dragged shot from Djeidi Gassama was the closest the hosts came to putting a dent in the away side’s lead. Carlos Forbs almost added a fourth close to halftime, but his strike from the edge of the box was tipped wide by a strong Butland hand. The half time whistle brought a chorus of boos, marking an extraordinary first half. The Belgian giants had showcased a ruthless attacking display, leaving the home side with a mountain to climb. Rangers reacted well after the break scoring five minutes into the second half. Gassama and Meghoma linked well on the left, and the latter whipped a dangerous low cross into the path of Danilo, who made no mistake with a close-range finish. Having been the sole bright spot in a dismal first half, Gassama continued to be a constant threat for the home side. He carved out another opportunity for himself, firing a right-footed strike from the edge of the box that whistled just past Simon Mignolet’s post. Despite Rangers’ improved performance, Brugge still looked dangerous on the counter. Aleksandar Stankovic found too much space in a forward area, and only a last-ditch challenge from John Souttar prevented Nicolo Tresoldi from getting an easy tap-in. Shortly after, Butland did well to smother another jabbed strike from Tresoldi. The home side thought they had a second goal on the 80th minute when Gassama poked home from close range. However, the celebrations were cut short as the goal was disallowed, with the referee ruling that Mignolet had full control of the ball prior to the winger’s touch, ending a miserable night in Govan for Martin’s men. Rangers: Butland, Aarons, Souttar, Djiga, Meghoma (Tavernier 70’), Diomande (Aasgaard 61’), Raskin, Rothwell (Cameron 86’) Antman (Moore 70’) Gassama, Danilo (Igamane 61’) Bookings: Souttar 74’ Aarons 75’ Aasgaard 90+2’ Club Brugge: Mignolet, Sabbe (Meijer 73’) Spileers, Mechele, Seys, Onyedika (Diakhon 89’) Forbs (Vetlesen 73’) Tzolis, Stankovic (Reis 85’) Vanaken, Vermant (Tresoldi 46’) Bookings: Sabbe 52’

August 18, 2025

Rangers struggle but progress in Champions League

Vikroria Plzen 2 – 1 Rangers (Rangers win 4-2 on aggregate) Durosinmi (41′), Markovic (83′) Cameron (60′) Rangers are just one step away from the Champions League but they certainly made hard work of it as Viktoria Plzen secured a 2-1 home win, which wasn’t enough for them in the end. It was a complete contrast to last week’s swashbuckling 3-0 home win over the Czech side, but they got the job done. That’s really about the only positive to take from it, in all honesty. Saturday’s 1-1 draw at home to Dundee was not the ideal preparation as Russell Martin recalled captain James Tavernier and Nico Raskin in midfield, with Max Aarons and Joe Rothwell stepping out. There was a slight injury scare as Cyriel Dessers needed treatment on a wrist injury, but was fine to continue. More importantly, despite perhaps bracing themselves for an onslaught from Plzen, you would have imagined keen to close the gap, it really didn’t materialise. The pace of the game was ponderous at times as the Czech side seemed to lack urgency in spite of their predicament and Rangers didn’t need to do anything silly. Lukáš Červ tested Gers keeper Jack Butland with a fierce effort to remind the Ibrox men they weren’t going away yet. A penalty claim from Dessers shortly after fell on deaf ears. Prince Adu got the better of Tavernier at one point and it was another scary moment as the ball went wide. Plzen took the lead four minutes before the break with Jefte tangling himself up as he tried to keep up with Amar Memic. He nicely teed up Rafiu Durosinmi who buried his chance and the aggregate was reduced to two. Rangers were rocked and returned to the dressing room at half time needing a breather. Memic went close five minutes after the restart as Plzen smelled blood in the water while Prince Adu’s header needed Butland to deal with it. Dessers went off injured with a possible knee problem, where he was replaced by Danilo, but Rangers’ more pressing concerns were at the other end as the home side pushed them. They alleviated those fears when Lyall Cameron opened his Gers account, poking home Danilo’s attempt and the three-goal cushion was restored. In a poor performance, it was a little bit of something that the Ibrox men needed and seemed to take the wind out of Plzen’s sails after their valiant attempts to try and claw the momentum back. Prince Adu forced another great save from Butland as the Czech outfit continued to knock on the door, with the Englishman on hand shortly after to deal with Milan Havel’s header. Despite his heroics, Butland could do nothing about Svetozar Markovic’s header to bring Plzen to within two again with seven minutes to go. Suddenly, Rangers were starting to feel nervous again. They got over the line eventually, but they sure made hard work of it. Play like that against Club Brugge and they can forget about a run out with the big boys. Martin has much to do before he can even entertain that possibility.

August 12, 2025

Rangers