Rangers hopes of a miraculous European comeback ended in utter disaster as they were humiliated 6-0 away to Club Brugge, falling 9-1 on aggregate.
After a 3-1 first-leg defeat at Ibrox, Russell Martin’s side travelled to Belgium with the slim hope of overturning history.
Instead, what unfolded was a performance that exposed every weakness in the squad and raised serious questions over leadership, preparation, and mentality.
Here are out key takeaways from a dismal night.
Nightmare Start Sealed Rangers Fate
Rangers’ European hopes were shattered inside three minutes. Christos Tzolis delivered a pinpoint cross, and Nicolò Tresoldi ghosted past Nasser Djiga and John Souttar to nod home.
The quick strike restored Brugge’s three-goal aggregate cushion and set the tone for a one-sided affair.
Red Card Derails Any Chance of a Comeback
Max Aarons’ early dismissal compounded the disaster. Pulled down in a clear denial of a goalscoring opportunity, his straight red left Rangers a man down in a match where they could least afford it.
He looked like a man out of his depth and wanting off the park, his Ibrox future should be in question. From that point, the game was effectively over.
Defensive Chaos and Lack of Leadership
Rangers’ backline was repeatedly exposed. Hans Vanaken, Joaquin Seys, and Aleksandar Stanković all found space with alarming ease, highlighting poor marking and organizational breakdowns.
Jack Butland made a few impressive saves, but the defensive collapse was overwhelming and symptomatic of wider leadership issues within the squad even with the introduction of James Tavernier after the red card.
Managerial Decisions Questioned
Russell Martin’s substitutions were reactive rather than proactive. Changes at halftime, replacing Aasgaard, Gassama, and Rothwell, came far too late, after the damage was done.
Reverting to a 5-4-0 formation turned the match into a defensive training exercise for Brugge rather than a genuine attempt at revival, the right call, but a decision that should have been taken at 2-0 not 5-0, in an attempt to limit the humiliation.
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Historic Humiliation
The 6-0 loss equals one of Rangers’ heaviest European defeats. The team was completely outclassed, exposing gaps not just in quality but in mentality and preparation.
Onlookers were left questioning how the club’s European ambitions can be restored under the current management structure.
Implications Off the Pitch
The defeat leaves Rangers not only humiliated on the continental stage but facing significant financial and reputational consequences.
For Russell Martin, the pressure is immense, with Celtic on the horizon, and the board faces its first real test under the new regime to prove they are willing to act decisively.