Despite clinching a one-goal advantage following Tuesday’s Champions League qualifier against Servette, Rangers’ performance left much to be desired. The Ibrox stadium atmosphere was far from celebratory at full-time, with fans and former players alike expressing disappointment as the team failed to capitalize on their numerical superiority against the 10-man visitors.
In the wake of Saturday’s defeat at Kilmarnock, it seemed that Rangers supporters would have been content with a slim lead. However, an array of missed opportunities, particularly against Servette’s reduced squad, led to a frustration-infused night in Govan.
“This mood is sombre,” was how former Ibrox striker and Sportscene presenter Steven Thompson described the after-match sentiment. Echoing his sentiment, fellow ex-Rangers forward Neil McCann stated, “It’s quite low. When Servette went down to 10, I don’t think Rangers capitalised on that extra man. Beale switched personnel but didn’t really alter the tactics.”
Rangers’ Complications Unfold
Rangers started strong in the first half, tearing through the Swiss side with a two-goal lead, courtesy of a James Tavernier penalty kick and Cyriel Dessers’ inaugural goal for the club. Michael Beale, Rangers’ manager, praised the “fantastic start” with “real energy”.
However, even before David Douline’s dismissal, a sharper final pass or more clinical finishing could have put Rangers comfortably ahead in the tie. The failure to seize these opportunities left the door ajar for Servette, who managed to claw back a goal via a penalty of their own.
Douline’s second booking unexpectedly curtailed further Rangers’ chances, with Servette content to settle for a one-goal deficit. Dessers acknowledged that his side had “complicated” the match, as safe passes and a lack of inventive play failed to penetrate Servette’s deep block – a problem reminiscent of the Kilmarnock defeat.
Despite the disheartening performance, Beale remains optimistic. He believes that with more time and play, his new-look attack will eventually synchronize. However, with the upcoming second leg teetering “on a knife’s edge”, improvement will need to come swiftly.
“We had many good opportunities… we’re fine-tuning,” Beale said. “I’m confident we’re taking a one-goal lead, but that can be wiped out in a second. We must seize our chances next week and be more decisive. We have to remember, this is the Champions League, and the opposition is always a threat. The job is only half done.”
