Rangers' miserable return to the Champions League ended with one final night of pain as they were comfortably beaten by Ajax.
And in taking their leave, they depart with the worst group stage return of any side to compete at UEFA's top table. Goals from Steven Berghuis, Mohammed Kudus and late sub Francisco Conceicao were the final blows in a total of 21 conceded over six consecutive defeats, with just two going in at the other end. Granted, Gio van Bronckhorst 's were severely depleted at the back after Ben Davies joined a seemingly endless list of defensive casualties. And yes, they were up against some of the cream of Europe.
But as it's been over this most bruising of European campaigns, Rangers couldn't live with the attacking prowess of the Eredivisie champions and were far too charitable in their efforts to keep them out. James Tavernier 's penalty at least got them on the scoresheet but it was scant consolation when Conceicao raced up the other end to restore Ajax's two-goal lead. Berghuis and Kudus had put Alfred Schreuder's side in command with two first-half goals and despite Rangers undeniable endeavour, they were rarely troubled from then on out.
