Rangers experienced a humiliating European collapse in Belgium and failed to recover from their first-leg deficit. Russell Martin's winless domestic start and the Belgian nightmare have placed his stewardship under severe threat after ten games. The manager selected a lineup intended to overturn the Ibrox deficit but left several key players on the bench. Brugge exploited defensive disorganization early, with Nicolo Tresoldi scoring after an overlapping Joaquin Seys cross. Max Aarons conceded a straight red for hauling back Christos Tzolis. James Tavernier's introduction failed to stem Brugge's momentum, who struck the woodwork and intensified their pressure, culminating in Hans Vanaken scoring.
If Celtic have deep regrets over misfires in Kazakhstan, Rangers endured a night of near-historic shame in Belgium, utterly incapable of recovering from the firstleg performance. By contrast to this horror show, that night of blunder was a creditable showing. Russell Martin's team made it so simple for an admittedly high-class Brugge side. On Martin the jury is out, his winless start to the domestic season followed by this nightmare. The former Southampton manager's stewardship is in grave danger after 10 games in charge.
Martin's team selection was, he said, custom-designed to reduce the twogoal deficit from Ibrox. Leaving Nico Raskin, James Tavernier and Cyriel Dessers on the bench was a decision open to a different interpretation. Hamza Igamane was absent, presumably headed for Lille. Brugge attempted to finish the tie as soon as possible. It proved all too easy. Carlos Forbs's run and Jayden Meghoma's early bookable offence was an early warning sign unheeded.
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