Rangers Champions League group stage hopes were dealt a hammer blow as they fell to a 2-0 defeat to Union Saint Gilloise. The Ibrox side were looking to build on their memorable run to the Europa League Final last season but now face an uphill battle to dine at Europe's top table.
Teddy Teuma gave the Belgian side a half time lead before Dante Vanzeir doubled the lead from the spot after Connor Goldson was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box. And it could've been more if it wasn't for a huge Jon McLaughlin save and a late block from James Tavernier.
Giovanni Van Bronckhorst opted to start a whole new front three but neither Antonio Colak, Rabbi Matondo or Malik Tillman could step up in the absence of the likes of Alfredo Morelos, Kemar Roofe and Ryan Kent. It was a disappointing night for the Light Blues and here is how Record Sport rated the Rangers players.
Rangers player ratings
JON McLAUGHLIN : Given a big show of faith by Van Bronckhorst as he started this crucial clash but allowed the opener to squirm through his hands. Vital save to prevent Union going three up at least keeps the tie alive. 5
JAMES TAVERNIER : Had to scramble clear at the back post as Borna Barisic was caught ball-watching. Unable to make his usual deep raids as the Belgians pressed him high and early. Sloppy in possession like a host of his team-mates. 6
JOHN LUNDSTRAM : Started brightly in a role to the right of the back three, confidently taking the ball and starting attacks. But as the players in front of him repeatedly gave away possession he spent more time having to firefight. 6
CONNOR GOLDSON : The Englishman gave away the spot-kick which leaves Gers’ Champions League hopes hanging by a thread after his hand-ball on a Teuma strike was picked up by the VAR officials. 6
JAMES SANDS : Big night for the American utility man as he was trusted to start this crucial clash. One of the few Gers men who can hold his head high. Put in a vital intervention to stop Vanzeir scoring. Booked for tripping Amani. 7
BORNA BARISIC : Under pressure to perform with new boy Ridden Yilmaz watching on from the bench from the first time but it was another hesitant display from the Croatian who was one of three men culpable for the Belgians’ opener. 5
GLEN KAMARA : Gio van Bronckhorst must be wondering what has happened to the flashy Finn this past year. Slack from start to finish as he allowed Union’s midfield to dominate the big moments. 5
RYAN JACK : Another who has to take the blame for his side falling behind after failing to clear the danger as Amani burst into the box. Looks to be still searching for full sharpness six months on from his injury return. 5
RABBI MATONDO : The £2.5million Schalke signing spent last year on loan at Cercle Brugge and was identified as the main danger man by Union boss Geraerts. He need not have worried with Matondo well off the pace. 5
MALIK TILLMAN : The Bayern Munich kid’s introduction provided Gers with the spark they lacked at Livi on Saturday but while he started brightly here, he couldn’t provide the creativity Rangers needed. 6
ANTONIO COLAK : How Rangers must wish they had their talisman Alfredo Morelos available, just for his ability to hold up play, never mind his scoring knack. The largely anonymous Colak has some distance to go to match the Colombian’s influence on this team. 5
Substitues
RIDVAN YILMAZ (On for Barisic, 67) 3
BEN DAVIES (On for Jack 67) 2
SCOTT WRIGHT (on for Tillman 76) 2
TOM LAWRENCE (On for Matondo 76) 2
READ NEXT
