Jack Butland 7
A good save to deny Carlos Forbs down low to his right, otherwise it was 4-0 before half time. Produced another decent point-blank save later in the game.
Max Aarons 5
Gave the crowd something to shout about when the full back took some responsibility to get Rangers up the field with a driving run midway through the first half, winning his team a free kick within shooting range.
Nasser Djiga 3
Started the game in the worst possible fashion in what was a comical error for a game at this level. In what was a mix-up between himself and Butland, Romeo Vermant was allowed a clear shot on goal after one long ball, as the striker delivered with a lovely chip into the net. He was the only player able to engage with the ball to stop Vermant, but didn’t. He was then guilty of diving in when he ought to have stood off the play in the lead-up to the third.
John Souttar 5
The centre-half was helpless as he attempted to block the shot for the second goal. But after Jorne Spileers was left in no man’s land on six minutes, just moments after the scoring was opened, it proved too difficult to divert away from the bottom corner. Could’ve been more commanding of the situation. Was almost forced into an own-goal on nine minutes after brilliant wing play by Forbs. Good defending to block Aleksandar Stanković’s cross shortly after Rangers pulled one back.
Jayden Meghoma 7
Was pivotal to Rangers’ first after a lovely interchange with Gassama on the left wing. Played a beautiful ball across the face for Danilo’s tap-in. Did well after being thrown in at the deep end.
Joe Rothwell 6
A poor header clear when trying to get the ball out of the danger area before Brugge’s third goal. Mind you, nobody was expecting the sheer quality of Brandon Mechele’s rasping strike. Was unlucky to see his free kick clip the post on 25 minutes. Zipped a couple of nice passes out to Gassama.
Nicolas Raskin 5
Back in the team playing in his familiar No.6 role. Busy as per, putting himself about.
Mohamed Diomande 5
Did very little of note aside from one disappointingly overhit cross to the back post.
Oliver Antman 4
Largely ineffective compared to the home match against Plzen. Struggled to get to the byline, or past his man. Continually turned back on himself.
Djeidi Gassama 8
The one bright spark in the circumstances, faced with the unenviable task of getting Rangers back into the match. Tried to make things happen as the visitors sat off the game. Curled an effort wide of the post, then some individual brilliance saw him score, but the goal was ruled out by VAR for a foul on the keeper.
Danilo 6
Scored the goal to help give Rangers chance, although couldn’t miss. Weak in the challenge which allowed Mechele to step onto the ball and unleash his wonder strike. Not what he was in the team to do, but he hardly helped out his teammates, who were clearly floundering.
Subs:
Hamza Igamane (for Danilo, 60’) 4
Looked sluggish and lacked match sharpness understandably after injury.
Thelo Aasgaard (for Diomande, 60’) 4
A first look at the playmaker.
Mikey Moore (for Antman, 69’) 4
Had a pot shot at goal sail over the bar. A couple of crosses into the box which were easily dealt with.
James Tavernier (for Meghoma, 69’) 4
Tried to force the issue, bursting a gut for the cause.
Lyall Cameron (for Rothwell, 85’) 2
On for final minutes.
