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Rangers have left themselves a mountain to climb next week in Belgium after losing 3-1 at home to Club Brugge in the first leg of their Champions League play-off tie.
Russell Martin’s side paid the price for a cataclysmic opening 20 minutes at Ibrox. They trailed the visitors by three goals and appeared in danger of getting a real hiding from Club Brugge before rallying after the break. Danilo netted not long after the restart and while Djeidi Gassama had a goal disallowed towards the end, they could not add to their tally.
It means the Belgians are red-hot favourites to progress to the Champions League, with Rangers needing a result for the ages in Brugge to avoid Europa League football.
Romeo Vermant put Club Brugge ahead on two minutes, chipping over Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland after the stopper and defender Nasser Djiga left a long ball to each other in a dreadful breakdown in communication.
Worse was to follow when Jorne Spileers netted from close range on seven minutes after a well-worked Club Brugge corner.
Ibrox descended into boos and jeers when Belgian defender Brandon Mechele fired home a fine strike from the edge of the penalty box on 20 minutes, with the Belgians threatening to run riot.
Rangers regrouped at the interval and Danilo netted on 52 minutes, sliding in to convert a good cross from debutant Jayden Meghoma.
Gassama had a goal disallowed on 79 minutes when he was deemed to have kicked the ball out of Club Brugge goalkeeper Simon Mignolet’s hands and Nicky Hayen’s men take a very handy advantage back to Belgium for next Wednesday’s second leg.
9. Mohamed Diomande
The Ivorian was wretched both offensively and defensively in the first half. Improved at the start of the second period. Made way for Aasgard. 4 | SNS Group
10. Oliver Antman
A difficult evening for the Finn. Saw very little of the ball in the first half and while he had more presence in the second period, not much came off for him. Made way for Moore. 4 | SNS Group
11. Danilo
Showed good striker's instincts to score at start of second half, after spending the first 45 minutes watching those behind him make a pig's ear of defensive duties. Replaced by Igamane. 6 | SNS Group
12. Djeidi Gassama
The only Rangers player to excel. Direct running, always looking to cause Club Brugge's backline some bother. Unfortunate to see a goal disallowed late on. The Ibrox side have signed a good one here. 7 | SNS Group