Derek McInnes’ wait for a first victory as Rangers manager continues after his side crashed out of the Europa League following a 1-1 draw against Jagiellonia Bialystok in the second leg of their third round qualifier at Ibrox.
McInnes, who remain winless after four games, will now have to contend with growing fan pressure as the Light Blues drop into the Europa Conference League play-off round where they will have to beat Czech side FK Jablonec if they are to extend their latest continental campaign.
Trailing 2-1 from last week’s first leg, the evening started on a positive note for the hosts as captain Lawrence Shankland tucked home his first goal for the club from the penalty spot. It came after former Celtic defender Yuki Kobayashi was penalised for handball as he attempted to block Daisuke Yokota’s cross.
Shankland’s assured spot-kick levelled the tie, but Rangers failed to build on that early momentum with Slovenian striker Nik Prelec, formerly of Oxford United, plunging a dagger into home hearts with a 65th-minute equaliser.
Rangers huffed and puffed but rarely threatened a late winner as they succumbed to the Poles, who advanced 3-2 on aggregate as loud boos rang out from the stands at the full-time whistle.
We give each player a mark out of ten for their display.
9. LW: Djeidi Gassama (4/10)
Average. Had an early penalty appeal turned down. He posed an offensive threat but failed to carry out his defensive duties. Unable to keep tabs on the lively Conceicao. Grew frustrated after the break. A wild drive from distance that sailed well off target summed up his contribution. Subbed. | SNS Group
10. ST: Ryan Naderi (3/10)
Largely anonymous barring the creation of one chance on the stroke of half-time, with a shot deflected wide for a corner. Far more needed from the attacker. Subbed. | PA
11. ST: Lawrence Shankland (5/10)
Early volleyed attempt was beaten away by the keeper. Assured penalty drilled straight down the middle to claim his first Rangers goal and level the tie on aggregate. Neat flick set up Naderi's chance right on half-time, but first touch let him down too often. | Getty Images
12. Rangers subs:
Ross McCrorie 4 - Replaced Aasgaard at half-time as McInnes reverted to a back four. Vanja Dragojevic 4 - Brought on for Raskin. Fired narrowly wide with his sole chance. Cammy Devlin 3 - Introduced for Neil with 25 minutes remaining but offered little. Bojan Miovski 2 - On for Naderi. Headed a late cross wide. Findlay Curtis 4 - Replaced Gassama with 15 to play. Lively late cameo. Teasing cross for Miovski chance. | PA