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Rangers’ Champions League qualifying campaign has been marked by moments of fortune, yet they have ultimately proven capable of reaching the play-off round.
“It’s better to be lucky than good.”
This well-worn saying aptly describes Rangers’ progress in the Champions League qualifiers thus far.
The positive news for the Scottish side is that they are now just two games – or one tie – away from the lucrative league phase, with Club Brugge of Belgium standing as their final hurdle.
Reaching the play-off round is arguably an achievement in itself, considering the challenging draw against Panathinaikos in the previous round and the ongoing squad rebuild under their new head coach.
However, manager Russell Martin remains fully aware of the significant improvements still required.
Advanced statistical analysis is not necessary to recognize the crucial role played by goalkeeper Jack Butland and the opposition’s wastefulness in Rangers’ two qualifying ties.
“We have a lot to work on, but we’re through,” Martin told BBC Scotland following Rangers’ aggregate victory over Viktoria Plzen, despite a 2-1 defeat in the second leg.
“Both goals are outrageous and we have to defend better, but we defend more than we should have because we are sloppy with the ball.”
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Martin’s dissatisfaction was clear. Against Plzen, Rangers conceded 27 shots, with a staggering 21 originating from within their own penalty area.
As a result, the Czech side registered an expected goals (xG) rating of 3.31, highlighting the significance of Butland’s eight saves, including a truly world-class stop to deny Prince Adu.
Considering Rangers’ impressive performance in the first leg, a single poor display with a comfortable 3-0 aggregate lead might be forgivable given the ultimate outcome.
However, this defensive vulnerability has been a recurring theme early in the season. Rangers have conceded 97 shots in their six games thus far, averaging 16 per game.
Had Plzen, Panathinaikos, Motherwell, or even Dundee been more clinical in front of goal, the narrative of Rangers’ nascent campaign could have been very different.
“Plzen had four 100% chances and took one of them – and they all came from Rangers’ mistakes,” former Rangers midfielder Ian McCall noted on Sportsound.
“They were shoddy and shabby, but the name of the game is getting into the next round.
“There’s an awful lot of money at stake, and they’ll have a chance. But they’ll need to defend a lot better in terms of not giving the ball away in dangerous areas.”
Rangers’ pass map shows how they struggled to get the ball into forward areas
Rangers’ inability to retain possession and advance the ball upfield, instead gifting it back to Plzen, was a point also emphasized by Martin.
“There were some good moments we didn’t make the most of, but I’m disappointed with the number of shots and chances they have and most of it is self-inflicted,” the Rangers head coach added.
“Our level of quality on the ball and decision making wasn’t good enough.”
Wingers Oliver Antman and Djeidi Gassama, who were so influential in the first-leg victory, were largely anonymous before being substituted in the second half, primarily because Rangers struggled to supply them with the ball.
Their most frequent passing combinations on the night were between Butland and his two centre-backs, illustrating the lack of forward progression.
Attacking moves consistently broke down before reaching the wide duo, with striker Cyriel Dessers failing to receive a single pass from a central midfielder before being forced off with an injury after the break.
Aside from qualification, the significant positive was Lyall Cameron scoring his first Rangers goal, capping off a strong individual performance.
Butland’s improved form is another welcome sign, considering his struggles in the latter half of the previous season. Furthermore, despite the evident flaws, Rangers have consistently found a way to score crucial goals in Europe, regardless of the game’s momentum.
However, relying on luck and individual moments of brilliance is not a sustainable formula for success in Europe’s premier club competition.
Club Brugge will undoubtedly pose a significant step up in quality. Last season, they reached the last 16 of the Champions League, eventually losing to Aston Villa in the Europa Conference League.
The teams played out a 2-2 draw at Ibrox during pre-season, providing some familiarity, although a friendly match cannot truly replicate the intensity of competitive action.
“If Rangers were playing against a better quality of team, even with the 3-0 lead, this game could have gone to extra-time or they could have lost it,” former Rangers striker Steven Thompson said on Sportsound.
“They cannot afford to play like that against Brugge. You can guarantee they’re not going to be missing those types of gifts.”
‘Rangers were not good. Against a better team, this could have gone to extra time’
12/08/25
Andy C: It’s grim watching. So many times the Gers gave the ball away under self-inflicted pressure. Souttar and Butland seem to be the only two who know what they’re doing.
Graham: How long is it going to take for the players to adapt to the new “style of play” before the fans lose faith? Because right now I see no improvements at all, if anything the last few games I’ve watched has been the worst watch in years.
Ray: All that matters is they are through that’s it. If they play as badly against Brugge and go through that’s all that matters as well. You need good players to play Martin’s system and the extra money may well help him in that quest.
Brian: Another woefully poor performance from this team – I honestly don’t know what is going on under Martin and I fear that it’s not going to end well and will only set the club back even further. Sloppy defending and wasteful on the counter.
Florentina: A lot of negative comments as usual with Rangers, but we’re through to the next round. People also forget, that if it wasn’t for our efforts in Europe the last few years, where would Scotland’s coefficient be? Well done Rangers.
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