Bright start undone by first-half collapse
Rangers’ Europa League campaign came to an end with a 3-1 defeat away to Porto, allowing the Portuguese side to secure direct progress to the last 16. Despite knowing progression was impossible, Danny Rohl’s team started strongly and took an early lead through Djeidi Gassama. The forward headed in a precise cross from Findlay Curtis to claim his sixth European goal of the season.
For the opening 25 minutes Rangers looked solid and awkward for the hosts, containing them effectively as Rohl had urged his players to be difficult opponents. That promising work unravelled due to individual errors and defensive lapses.
Eighteen-year-old Rodrigo Mora produced a skilful turn past Nico Raskin before firing home the equaliser when the ball rebounded off Jayden Meghoma. Soon after, James Tavernier mishandled a back-pass situation, gifting Francisco Moura a simple finish to put Porto in front.
The first half ended in further disappointment when Emmanuel Fernandez diverted a near-post corner into his own net, making it 3-1 at the break. Rangers never mounted a serious comeback in the second period, though they avoided a heavier defeat.
Defensive issues highlighted amid overall progress
The result exposed ongoing weaknesses, particularly a lack of cutting edge in attack. Despite controlling possession at times and building promising moves, Rangers struggled to convert chances into goals. Rohl has repeatedly called for more attacking reinforcements before the transfer window shuts, and this match reinforced that need.
Defensively the team crumbled in the closing stages of the first half, yet overall they showed greater assurance at the back compared to earlier in the season. The performance should not derail the positive momentum Rohl has created at Ibrox, but it serves as a reminder of areas requiring improvement.
Attention now shifts fully to the domestic title race, where Rangers remain in a tight three-way battle for the Premiership crown.
Danny Rohl reflected positively on aspects of the display, noting that both sides attempted to play constructively. He highlighted significant progress since earlier European ties, expressed pride in the team’s development in continental competition, and confirmed full focus now turns to league priorities.
Key statistics from the match
Rangers have now lost six straight away European games, their longest such run in history. They conceded three first-half goals for only the second time in Europa League history (previously against Lyon in 2024) and just the eighth occasion in major European competition overall.
This season Rangers have shipped 26 goals in European ties including qualifiers, second only to Celtic’s 27 in 2021-22 among Scottish clubs in a single campaign.
Djeidi Gassama became just the third French player to score multiple Europa League goals for a Scottish side, joining Odsonne Edouard and Marc-Antoine Fortuné (both Celtic), and the first to achieve it for Rangers.
James Tavernier reached 70 major European appearances for Rangers, trailing only Allan McGregor (78) among club players, while only David Narey and Callum McGregor have more as outfield players for any Scottish team.
