Rangers' hopes of reaching the Europa League knock-out stages were ended in Budapest as they fell to a 2-1 defeat to Ferencvaros at the Groupama Arena.
Danny Rohl’s side required a win in the Hungarian capital to keep their European dreams alive, and got off to a perfect start when Bojan Miovski’s acrobatic finish put them into the lead after 27 minutes, only to be pegged back with the final kick of the first-half when slack defending allowed Bence Otvos to equalise, with Barnabás Varga’s 20th goal off the season ensured the home side took all three points.
The result means it is almost impossible for Rangers to qualify for the Europa League knockout stages, after picking up just one point from their six League Phase games. They sit in 33rd place in the table, with games against Ludogorets and Porto still to come. They return to domestic action on Monday with a clash against Hibs at Ibrox this coming Monday.
Here’s how The Scotsman rated the performance of each Rangers player in the 2-1 defeat to Ferencvaros at the Groupama Arena:
1. Jack Butland - 6
Breathed a sigh of relief when he spilled a cross early. Was unlucky with a deflection that took Otvos' equalising goal away from him. | AFP via Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
2. James Tavernier - 3
Neat cross almost created a second for Danilo, before he was clattered by the Ferencvaros goalkeeper Gróf. His concentration levels waned badly in the second-half, though. Caught well out of position and was bailed out by Djiga twice. Allowed the cross for the second goal to come in far too easily. A rough night for the skipper. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
3. Emmanuel Fernandez - 3
Shambolic. Got away with some poor defending early on as Ferencvaros fired wide. Caught ball watching for the second goal. Looked well out of his depth, with Rangers' poor summer recruitment coming home to roost again. | AFP via Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
4. Nasser Djiga - 6
Made a terrific tackle on Varga to stop an almost certain second goal for the hosts, and was Rangers' best defender - though it wasn't hard to be. Took a blow to the head just before the half-time break. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images