Nasser Djiga shocking, Jayden Meghoma shines – Rangers ratings v Club Brugge
Russell Martin’s side experienced a game of two halves as Rangers lost 3-1 to Club Brugge in a Champions League qualifier first leg.
The Gers were behind after just three minutes on Tuesday, 19 August, as Romeo Vermant took advantage of a miscommunication between Jack Butland and Nasser Djiga, ending in the goalkeeper being lobbed.
Jorne Spileers and Brandon Mechele made it two and three after just 20 minutes, with Rangers fans beginning to swarm out of Ibrox, but Danilo’s goal early in the second half got those remaining believing again.
Despite a spirited second-half performance from the Light Blues, the early damage was too much to recover from, giving the Scottish Premiership giants a mountain to climb in the second leg.
Rangers still alive in chaotic Champions League tie
Jack Butland – 4
Was punished for his hesitation in the opening few minutes, but made up for his extremely poor decision with a handful of fine saves to keep his side from going further behind.
Max Aarons – 4
Far from his best in Rangers colours, picking up a yellow card late in the second half. Struggled to get forward and was not strong enough in the tackle.
Nasser Djiga – 2
Never looked comfortable after his dreadful mistake in the opening five minutes. Regained some confidence on the ball but was not his usual assertive self.
John Souttar – 4
While he excused himself from the first error, the Scot’s defending in the first half was just as dreadful. Far better in
Russell Martin’s attack stalls v Club Brugge
Jayden Meghoma (Off for Tavernier 70′) – 8 – Player of the Match
Thrown straight into the action by Martin, being signed on Monday, 18 August, he did not waver under the pressure and put a delightful cross in for Danilo.
Nico Raskin (Off for Cameron 86′) – 4
One of his poorest performances in recent times. Lost the ball on far too many occasions, giving away fouls when trying to win the ball back, and could not find any room in the attacking third.
Joe Rothwell – 5
Created a couple of chances throughout the 90 minutes, but not his best performance in Rangers colours.
Mohamed Diomande (Off for Aasgaard 61′) – 6
For all of the Gers’ troubles in the first half, the 23-year-old attempted everything to drag his team forward, and was clearly knackered after the hour mark.
Oliver Antman (Off for Moore 70′) – 4
Added some energy on the right-hand side, but ultimately, was marked out of the game for most of his 70 minutes on the pitch.
Light Blues take Danilo’s goal to Belgium
Djeidi Gassama – 6
Extremely unlucky to see his goal disallowed in the final 15 minutes. Worked hard throughout the game, but couldn’t add a final touch.
Danilo (Off for Igamane 61′) – 5
Got his side back into the tie with a goal early in the second half, but offered very little else through the middle.
Substitutes
Hamza Igamane (On for Danilo 61′) – 6
Added some much-needed energy to the forward line but lacked the last touch.
Thelo Aasgaard (On for Diomande 61′) – 4
Struggled to get up to pace with play after replacing Diomande.
James Tavernier (On for Meghoma 70′) – 4
After giving away a dangerous free-kick in the last few seconds, his impact was likely not ideal at Ibrox.
Mikey Moore (On for Antman 70′) – 5
Made some bright runs but barely saw the ball in his 20 minutes on the pitch.
Lyall Cameron (On for Rothwell 86′) – N/A