David Hancko nodded Sparta ahead just before the half-hour mark, beating Calvin Bassey to a corner kick. The header found the inside of the post and though Allan McGregor scooped the ball out, technology indicated the goal was good and the ball had crossed the line.
Rangers to that point had been the aggressors, pressing Florin Nita’s goal without really testing the goalkeeeper, though McGregor had been called into action at the other end.
Prague hit the post again before the break and Rangers were forced into an early change with Ianis Hagi replacing the injured Juninho Bacuna.
Steven Gerrard’s preparations had already been ricked by Connor Goldson’s training ground injury, and he will be without Glen Kamara for the next match with Brondby after a very harsh second yellow card saw the Finnish midfielder sent off in the second half.
Rangers continued to press and though James Tavernier and Fashion Sakala went close at the end, the Scottish champions stay bottom of their section.
Here's how the players rated….
Player ratings scale - 10: One of the best performances you've seen. 9: Outstanding. 8: Very good. 7: Good. 6: Average. 5: Poor, 4: Very poor. 3: A terrible day at the office. 2: Abysmal. 1: One of the worst performances you've seen.
9. Joe Aribo - 7
Sacrificed for Lundstram after Kamara's red card. Played brightly in the first half but couldn't find an end product and increasing strength at this level showed. Photo: Craig Foy - SNS Group
10. Kemar Roofe - 6
Not quite clinical enough but experience at this level evident in work across the front line. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group) Photo: Craig Foy - SNS Group
11. Fashion Sakala - 6
Few chances for the forward to show his speed as SParta swarmed whenever he had possession (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group) Photo: Craig Foy - SNS Group
12. Steven Gerrard
Stuck to his principles with 4-3-3 despite dwindling playing options, and quick to change when needed in first half with Bacuna's injury and after red card. Photo: RUSSELL CHEYNE