Connor Barron conceded Rangers “didn’t reach the level required” on a damaging night in Budapest as the Ibrox side slipped to a 2–1 defeat against Ferencvárosi, leaving their UEFA Europa League campaign hanging by the thinnest of threads.
Danny Röhl’s side had taken an early lead through an excellent Bojan Miovski overhead kick and showed flashes of composure in the opening stages, but a poor end to the first half and a disjointed second period allowed the Hungarian champions to turn the match around.
The result leaves Rangers needing a near-miracle across the final two fixtures to keep any chance of progressing.
Speaking after the match, Barron didn’t hide his frustration.
He said: “It was a tough test, and we didn’t get back to our standards”
The Scotland midfielder admitted Rangers let the game slip away after a positive start.
“It was a real tough test tonight,” Barron said.
“I thought the first half we started well, got into dangerous areas and worked hard.
“But the equaliser before the break really hurt us.
“After that we just didn’t get back to the heights we wanted, so it’s really disappointing.”
Rangers struggled to regain the control they showed early and were punished by a Ferencvárosi side who grew in confidence the longer the evening went on.
When asked to assess the continental campaign as a whole, Barron was blunt.
“It’s been really disappointing,” he said.
“We came into it wanting to build on what the club did last season, but we haven’t hit that level at all.”
Rangers remain winless in Europe under Röhl, and the uphill task now facing them is clear but Barron insisted reflection is necessary - even if painful.
“You’ve got to feel the disappointment,” he added.
“Take it in, learn from it. But then you’ve got to switch quickly, because the next match comes fast.”
Immediate focus shifts to league duties
Rangers return to domestic action on Monday night in what Barron described as a “massive game” at home to Hibernian as they attempt to continue their strong Premiership form.
“We’ve had decent performances and results in the league,” he said.
“Now the focus has to be completely on that.
“Three points is three points and it doesn’t matter where it comes.”
Barron praised the growth of the squad under Röhl despite the European setbacks.
“The progression’s been great,” he said.
“Everyone can see the positive signs.
“Obviously, Europe hasn’t been good enough, but in the league we’ve been really strong.
“The aim now is to keep pushing.”
Bojan Miovski found the net again in Budapest, continuing his recent scoring form, something Barron believes can be important in the coming weeks.
“That’s another goal for him tonight,” he said.
“He’s starting to show what he’s capable of.”
Rangers have struggled for a reliable focal point for much of the season, and Miovski’s sharpness tonight, combined with his weekend brace at Kilmarnock, may prove vital.
With a World Cup on the horizon, Barron acknowledged that personal targets remain in the background - but made clear that Rangers come first.
“Of course the World Cup in the summer is massive,” he said.
“But I’ve got to be playing well here and winning games for Rangers.
That’s my full focus.”
Rangers now return to league business against Hibs on Monday before facing Ludogorets and Porto in January, matches that could still mathematically keep them alive in Europe but will require both victories and a huge swing of fortune elsewhere.