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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
Sport
Alan Galindo

Rangers 1 Ajax 3 as Champions League campaign ends with unwanted record - 3 things we learned

Rangers rounded off their Champions League campaign with a sixth defeat as they finished rock bottom of their section and with that picked up a record they'd rather forget.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst's men went into this one with very, very slim hopes of finishing third and reaching the Europa League - but that would have required a win by five goals. That was quickly ended with the visitors flying out of the traps and scoring inside the first four minutes before adding a killer second on the half hour mark. James Tavernier scored a late penalty but their was still time for the visitors to knock home a third. Ajax's win gives them six points, all coming against Rangers. and European football after Christmas.

For the Ibrox men, all focus now turns to domestic matters and making sure they get themselves into a position that they can return to Europe's premier competition next season and make a much better showing than this time around. Here are three things we learned as the Light Blues exited Europe with zero points, six defeat, just two goals and a whopping 22 conceded.

READ MORE: Celtic hero Scott Brown not interested in wind-ups with Joey Barton ahead of dugout reunion

Horror story

Rangers' Champions League campaign has been one to forget from start to finish in the group stage.

Ajax took just FOUR minutes to take the lead at Ibrox. A ball behind James Tavernier had the visitors on the front food and after a brilliant lay-off Steven Berghuis produced an absolute stunning finish that left Allan McGregor helpless.

It was the last thing Giovanni van Bronckhorst wanted on the night with the Dutch giants hitting the back of the net two further times through Mohammed Kudus just before the half hour mark via the aid of a deflection off Leon King and a late Francisco Conceição strike.

It means Rangers finish the section with six defeats from six and zero points as they grab 'worst ever' Champions League tag.

Fashion show

It was a big night for Fashion Sakala once again and he did his chances no harm of a regular slot in the Rangers starting team.

His direct running and pace is always a threat. His final ball isn't always on point but when he gets the chance to go one-on-one he doesn't hesitate to open the legs.

A chance also cleared off the line to follow up a great display against Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership last weekend.

He was caught napping for the visitors' second goal after failing to track a runner in the build up but overall sound performance.

Defensive woes

It is clear Rangers will need to invest in defensive reinforcements in January.

Young Leon King was been thrown into the deep end - an experience that will do him the world of good going forward - with ever-present Connor Goldson currently out and other centre-back options John Souttar and Filip Helander long-term absentees.

Ben Davies' injury record since his summer arrival from Liverpool hasn't been great and he missed this one with James Sands partnering King at the heart of the defence.

You could argue when all fit they have more than enough in reserve - but it is moments like these that makes you think one more is required.

An interesting winter transfer window to come for Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

READ NEXT:

- Rangers duo Colak and Barisic joined by Celtic's Juranovic in provisional Croatia World Cup squad

- Rangers and Celtic penalty calls put under Ref Watch microscope as Dermot Gallagher delivers verdict

- Celtic hero Scott Brown not interested in wind-ups with Joey Barton ahead of dugout reunion

- Rangers star Malik Tillman earns Dimitar Berbatov comparison as BBC pundit opens up on playing style

- Kris Commons in Rangers 'pack of cards' claim as he labels Aberdeen triumph a 'really big victory'

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