Rangers suffered a devastating early collapse in their UEFA Champions League playoff first leg, conceding three goals in the first 20 minutes against Club Brugge at Ibrox, leaving fans furious and coach Russell Martin facing mounting pressure.
Nightmare Start Undermines Title Push
The match exploded into chaos almost immediately. Rangers’ defense imploded due to poor zonal marking and critical miscommunications—particularly between goalkeeper Jack Butland and centre-back Nasser Djiga—allowing Romeo Vermant to volley in the opener.Not long after, Jorne Spileers capitalized on the disarray and added a second, and Brandon Mechele further punished the hosts—Bagging a third before the 20-minute mark and triggering a chorus of boos as many supporters exited early.
Christos Tzolis, continually troubling Rangers’ backline, orchestrated at least two of Brugge’s goals, exposing defensive vulnerabilities at every turn.
Sparking a Late Response—But Too Little, Too Late
The second half offered a glimmer of hope. Danilo converted a fizzed cross from debutant Jayden Meghoma, finally relieving some pressure and offering Rangers a sliver of belief.
However, a potential second goal—courtesy of Djeidi Gassama—was denied by VAR, ruling him to have fouled Brugge goalkeeper Simon Mignolet. The reversal proved decisive in extinguishing any realistic chance of a comeback.
Manager Martin: Frustration, Accountability & a Glimmer of Hope
Post-match, Russell Martin didn’t mince words. He called the defending “mad,” acknowledging the mistakes that turned ambition into disaster so quickly.Still, Martin insisted Rangers remain in the tie, praised the team’s second-half resilience, and urged supporters to maintain patience as the club navigates a transition under new leadership.
Road Ahead: Champions League Dream in Jeopardy
Now faced with a daunting second leg in Bruges, Rangers must overturn a 3-1 deficit to salvage their Champions League aspirations. With the pressure mounting, the club will need turnaround performances—not just tactical adjustments—to keep hopes alive.
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