Rangers’ Europa League campaign is on the brink after another night undermined by defensive mistakes saw them beaten 2-1 by Ferencvaros in Budapest.
Danny Röhl’s team arrived knowing only a win would realistically keep their hopes of finishing in the top 24 alive. For a spell it looked possible, especially after Bojan Miovski’s spectacular opener survived a VAR review, but familiar issues at the back resurfaced and were ruthlessly punished.
Miovski magic, but late lapse before the break
The warning signs appeared early. In just the third minute, Bamidele Yusuf sliced through Rangers’ back line far too easily, only to drag his shot wide when he should have scored.
Rangers gradually settled and tried to impose themselves, but Jack Butland almost gifted Ferencvaros the lead on 18 minutes. The goalkeeper failed to claim a high ball into a crowded box from a corner, and Toon Raemaekers poked wide from 12 yards when he had time to do much better.
The hosts, wearing green-and-white hoops uncomfortably reminiscent of Rangers’ Old Firm rivals Celtic, were on top, but Röhl’s side struck first thanks to a moment of brilliance.
Max Aarons whipped in a cross from the right, Danilo challenged for it, and the ball broke perfectly for Miovski, who improvised a superb hitch-kick finish from six yards. The assistant’s flag went up for offside, but after a VAR check the goal was awarded, sparking huge celebrations in the away end.
Ferencvaros responded immediately. Yusuf, lively throughout, latched onto a sharp pass from Bence Otvos but could only find the side-netting from eight yards.
Just when it looked like Rangers would reach half-time ahead, they switched off in stoppage time. Captain Ibrahim Cisse pulled a cut-back into the box, Otvos arrived to meet it, and his shot took a slight deflection off Nasser Djiga before flying beyond Butland for the equaliser. It was a gut punch after a half in which Rangers had survived several scares.
Varga strikes as defensive frailties bite again
The second half followed a familiar European pattern for Röhl’s men: flashes of resilience undone by lapses at crucial moments. Djiga produced two outstanding last-ditch tackles to keep Rangers level, showcasing the kind of commitment their European performances have often lacked this season.
But the pressure eventually told. Another lapse in concentration at the back allowed Barnabas Varga the space he needed to rise and head home his 20th goal of the season in all competitions, putting Robbie Keane’s side 2-1 up and firmly in control of the group.
Rangers pushed late on but lacked the quality and composure to find a way back. The defeat means they stay rooted on one point from six games, with only two fixtures left to play. Ferencvaros, by contrast, move onto 14 points and are virtually guaranteed a place in the knockout rounds.
Domestic form vs European struggles
Röhl’s impact in Scotland has been impressive, with five wins from seven Scottish Premiership matches since replacing Russell Martin. In stark contrast, his European record reads just one point from a possible 12.
The gulf between their domestic solidity and continental fragility was on full display in Budapest:
- A defence that can look organised in the league was repeatedly exposed by direct runs and simple passes in behind.
- Moments of attacking quality, like Miovski’s acrobatic finish, are being overshadowed by basic errors at the back.
As things stand, Rangers’ European journey appears set to end at the group stage. Unless there is a dramatic turnaround in their final two games, this campaign will be remembered more for missed opportunities and defensive frailty than for any memorable nights on the continent.
