RANGERS’ European adventure ended with a whimper in Portugal as a first-half defensive collapse saw Porto secure a -1 comeback victory and a direct ticket to the Europa League last 16.
Despite knowing they were already heading out, Danny Rohl’s side started like “nasty guests.” Djeidi Gassama silenced the home crowd early on, heading home a pinpoint Findlay Curtis cross for his sixth European goal of the campaign. However, the optimism was short-lived as individual errors handed the game to the hosts on a silver platter.
Ten Minutes of Madness
The game turned in a disastrous spell before the break. 18-year-old Rodrigo Mora punished Nico Raskin’s slackness to level, before a calamitous mix-up between James Tavernier and Jack Butland allowed Francisco Moura to tap into an empty net. The misery was compounded when Emmanuel Fernandez inadvertently turned a corner into his own net to make it three.
The stats make for grim reading: Rangers have now lost six consecutive away games in Europe—the club’s worst-ever streak on the road. They have also shipped a staggering 26 goals in Europe this season, just one shy of the unwanted Scottish record set by Celtic in 2021-22.
Analysis: Attacking Voids and Defensive Blunders
While the overall momentum under Danny Rohl remains positive, this trip to the Estádio do Dragão highlighted the “deficiencies” the gaffer is desperate to fix before Monday’s deadline. Despite plenty of possession, the Gers once again lacked a clinical edge in the final third.
“Rohl wants at least one more attack-minded player in before the window closes and it was clear to see why,” noted the analysis, as Rangers look to bolster the squad for the three-way title fight with Celtic and Hearts.
Tavernier’s Bittersweet Milestone
On a night to forget, James Tavernier reached a historic milestone, making his 70th major European appearance for the club. Only Allan McGregor has featured more for Rangers on the continent, but the skipper will be hurting after his part in Porto’s crucial second goal.
Gers fans—now that the European distraction is over, is the squad strong enough to win the title, or MUST the board deliver a new striker before Monday? Let us know in the comments!
Co-Founder of Fitba Focus and MMA UK. A lifelong Rangers fan and former player, he combines over a decade of sports media experience with a deep-seated passion for the Scottish game. From the Ibrox stands to the lower-league terraces, Frankie is dedicated to providing honest, fan-led analysis of the full Scottish pyramid.
