James Tavernier admitted Rangers “can do better as a team” after their European campaign concluded with a 3–1 defeat to Porto, while youngster Findlay Curtis took pride in making his mark on a difficult night in Portugal in their post-match interview with TNT Sports.
Speaking post-match, the Rangers captain reflected on a game that began brightly but slipped away through avoidable moments.
“We started off really well, getting ourselves in the lead,” Tavernier said.
“And for the three goals that we conceded, I think we can do better as a team.
“Throughout the game, we tried to get back into it, but in the final third we lacked just that final pass and that final decision. In this competition, those are the moments you’ve got to take.”
He framed the night as a lesson rather than a lingering disappointment, with attention now turning squarely to domestic duties.
“It’s a good learning curve,” he added.
“We take this in for the weekend now and push on with the league.”
Curtis, handed an opportunity in the starting XI, felt he justified the manager’s faith after playing his part in Rangers early goal – crossing the ball in for Djeidi Gassama to head home.
“I think I did,” the young winger said when asked if he took his chance.
“Getting that assist was massive. But it’s all about the team in this competition and obviously the campaign wasn’t very good, so we look at what’s next.”
One of the key moments of the match came with Porto’s second goal, stemming from a mix-up between Tavernier and goalkeeper Jack Butland. The skipper did not hide from the error.
“It’s just a mix-up. It happens in football,” he explained.
“I thought Jack was coming for it and then it ends up bouncing on my shin.
“Me and Jack come together and then it comes out. It was avoidable and I’ll take that on the chin.”
Despite the setback, Tavernier made a point of praising Curtis’s contribution.
“Finn’s been a credit to himself. He keeps his head down, works really hard and he took his chance tonight,” the skipper said.
Individually, it was a landmark night for Tavernier, who equalled Allan McGregor’s European appearance record for Rangers, on what could be his final continental outing for the club with his contract expiring at the end of the season.
Characteristically, he played down the personal achievement.
“I’ve still got to give it to [Allan McGregor]. He’s got more Champions League appearances than me,” he said.
“It’s just about competing and trying to help the team. We dropped below par this season compared to other years in Europe, but it’s a learning curve for the full team.”
With Europe over, the focus is firmly on the run-in. Tavernier believes consistency will define Rangers success.
“The consistency in our performance, we’ve got to keep that really high,” he said.
“Keep driving ourselves, keep working hard, and show different ways how to win.
“Every game has its own challenge, but it’s a game at a time and trying to get those three points every single game.”