Sturm Graz 2-1 Rangers

Horvat (7′) Kiteishvili (35′) Gassama (49′)

A first-half double from Sturm Graz ensured back-to-back Europa League defeats for Rangers, as their dismal season opening continues.

The home side made a dream start in the 7th minute. After picking off a James Tavernier throw-in, they worked the ball to Tomi Horvat, whose shot went through Jack Butland in goal. The goalkeeper perhaps should have done better, but it was a disastrous start for Russell Martin’s side.

Belmin Beganovic forced Butland into an important near-post save, as Sturm Graz looked to double their advantage soon after.

Youssef Chermiti’s back post header crashed off the crossbar, as the visitors searched for the leveller after 17 minutes.

Sturm Graz continued to control proceedings and added a second in the 35th minute. Rangers were caught off guard by a deep free kick, evading their entire defensive line. Otar Kiteishvili had acres of space to poke the ball past Butland.

It was a clever finish by the Georgian, but a lack of concentration from the visitors played a huge part.

Russell Martin turned to his bench at halftime, with Bojan Miovski and Max Aarons replacing Jayden Meghoma and Oliver Antman.

The visitors started the second half on top. Djeidi Gassama latched onto Nico Raskin’s clipped pass, after cutting inside, and thumped a low shot past Oliver Christensen, offering some encouragement to the travelling fans behind the goal.

Rangers submitted an improved second-half performance, but were let off several times by the Austrian attack.

John Souttar almost secured a point in injury time, but Christensen reacts brilliantly to parry over his strike from close range.

The defeat leaves Rangers with 0 points from their opening two Europa League matches. They return to domestic action at the Falkirk Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Questions remain for under-pressure Russell Martin, after another disappointing defeat.

Sturm Graz: Christensen, Ooermann, Aiwu, Lavalee, Karic, Stankovic, Horvat, Chukwuani, Kiteishvili, Malone, Beganovic

Rangers: Butland, Tavernier, Souttar, Cornelius, Meghoma, Raskin, Barron, Aasgaard, Antman, Chermiti, Gassama