Rangers’ line-up was limited by injury and selection issues but an unorthodox line-up kicked into gear in the second half and created chances after a resolute first half where the visiting defence kept the Bundesliga side at bay.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst caught many by surprise by playing Joe Aribo in midfield, rather than the false nine position he would occupy in the second half, and dropping John Lundstram into the centre of defence. It worked for 85 minutes and Allan McGregor and his defence continued to shackle Christopher Nkunku and co for the vast majority of the game.
They eventually fell behind with five minutes to go, and though the winning goal was a stunner and sickener in equal measure after a disciplined display, Rangers may still feel a sense of hope taking the tie back to a packed Ibrox trailing by just one goal, at the halfway stage in the tie.
Here's how the Rangers players rated on the night.
9. Scott Wright - 5
Put himself about willingly in the first half but ball would not stick for long. Fell out of the second period before being replaced by Fashion Sakala. Photo: Craig Foy - SNS Group
10. Glen Kamara - 7
Important in always making himself available for the ball providing pressure relief for his team-mates but it was not a match where Rangers midfield managed to dictate much control. Photo: Maja Hitij
11. Ryan Kent - 8
Unable to turn and frequently shutdown by Heindriks in the first half but found space when Aribo stepped forward to disrupt the defence in the second-half and created more. Resilient, hard-working and almost slid in Tavernier just after half-time. Photo: Martin Rose
12. Giovanni van Bronckhorst
Hamstrung by lack of options, half-time tweaks brought Rangers right back into the game and while a late goal disappoints after a disciplined performance manager will still fancy his side in the return leg with - hopefully - returning stars to his selection pool. Photo: JOHN MACDOUGALL