Rangers’ Europa League Struggles Continue with Defeat to Roma

Rangers faced yet another disappointing outcome in the Europa League, suffering a 2-0 loss against a stronger Roma team at Ibrox.

Coach Röhl’s Challenging Start

Head coach Danny Röhl’s time at the helm commenced with a 3-0 defeat against Brann last month, and this latest match extended his run to four consecutive losses in European competition. Following a 3-1 loss to Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup semifinal on Sunday, Rangers’ weaknesses were once again exposed, with Matìas Soulè and Lorenzo Pellegrini putting Roma ahead by two goals within the first 36 minutes of play.

Despite the home support, the difference in quality was apparent, leading to increased frustration from Rangers supporters, who expressed their dissatisfaction towards sporting director Kevin Thelwell and chief executive Patrick Stewart in the second half, which lacked energy.

Current Standings and Domestic Focus

Currently, Rangers sit at the bottom of a 36-team group following this defeat, with four matches left to play. As the chances of advancing to the knockout rounds appear slim, the team may need to shift focus to their domestic campaign.

Rangers are positioned fourth in the Scottish Premiership, trailing Celtic by five points and leaders Hearts by 14. They will face second-bottom Dundee on Sunday.

Team Changes and Match Highlights

This recent loss was a setback for Röhl, who made changes to the lineup, bringing in Max Aarons, Mikey Moore, Djeidi Gassama, and Connor Barron, while dropping Derek Cornelius, Mohamed Diomande, Danilo, and Thelo Aasgaard.

Despite missing key players such as Evan Ferguson, Paulo Dybala, Angeliño, and Leon Bailey, Roma managed to perform effectively under Gian Piero Gasperini. Ukrainian striker Artem Dovbyk took the lead role and helped the Italian side to score first in the 13th minute after a corner, following a mistake by Rangers defender Jayden Meghoma.

Pellegrini’s delivery found captain Bryan Cristante, who flicked it on to Soule, netting an easy goal.

Rangers’ Response and Second Half

Shortly after the opening goal, Rangers’ often-criticized striker Youssef Chermiti missed a chance, while Soule tested goalkeeper Jack Butland with a strong shot, leading to a corner from which Mario Hermoso missed the target. Rome managed to extend their lead when Dovbyk passed to Pellegrini, who calmly placed the ball past Butland.

Rangers attempted to respond quickly, as Mancini blocked a shot from Moore after Roma’s keeper Mile Svilar mishandled a Gassama cross. The start of the second half saw Aasgaard replace Meghoma, prompting Rangers’ fans to voice their displeasure towards Thelwell and Stewart, which only grew as the match continued.

In the 58th minute, Moore made a dangerous attempt that narrowly missed the target, while Chermiti and Aasgaard both had their shots go wide.

Roma had a near miss in the 69th minute when Zeki Çelik hit the bar from close range following a knockdown but were unable to convert.

Conclusion

The match ultimately fizzled out without further excitement, marking another difficult evening for Röhl and his Rangers squad.