Rangers take first European loss of season 4-3 at Spartak Moscow
By Joseph Sinke
Rangers suffer first loss on the European stage by falling in Russia, 4-3 to Spartak Moscow.
Steven Gerrard’s Rangers finally fell in European play. It was bound to happen at some point and most supporters should likely check themselves a bit just to remind themselves how impressive it is that their first European defeat came this far in.
That said, this is a continuation of form for Rangers that is not all that impressive. In their recent matches they tied this same Spartak Moscow side at Ibrox, fell 1-0 against Aberdeen at Hamden in the Betfred Cup semi-finals, tied 1-1 on the road against Kilmarnock in league play, narrowly beat a very weak St. Mirren side on the road 2-0, and now falling at Spartak Moscow in Russia.
The game started off wild, with Rangers getting their first goal on an own goal in just the 5th minute, then Moscow responded in the 22nd, but Daniel Candeias responded for Rangers in the 27th.
After that it was Rangers turn for an own goal at the expense of poor Connor Goldson, before Glen Middleton gave Rangers a 3-2 lead heading into halftime.
In the second half, Spartak found the net in the 58th and 59th minute to take the lead, and then the scoring was done.
Rangers leave the match with serious questions about their ability to go on the road and come away with a win, and their defense has started to, at times, look a bit leaky.
The good news is that Rangers remain very much alive in Europa League, currently tied for 2nd with 5 points in the group, but a victory over Spartak in this match (or the one at Ibrox) would’ve put them clearly in a position to advance.