Soulé and Pellegrini Strike as Italians Restore Momentum
Roma showcased impressive composure during their journey north, efficiently navigating a Europa League fixture against Rangers with little drama. The Italian outfit capitalized on a favorable matchup, exposing a stark disparity in class against a Scottish side now enduring a club-worst streak of seven consecutive European defeats. Rangers displayed grit in the second half, fending off what could have been a total collapse, but the match was effectively decided by then. The hosts languish at the foot of the standings, a humiliating position for a club of their pedigree, while Roma refocus on mounting a genuine challenge in the tournament. Their sole disappointment was failing to produce a lopsided scoreline that truly reflected the one-sided affair.
Rare Scottish Clashes Highlight Rangers’ Decline
This encounter marked just Roma’s second competitive outing against Scottish opposition since a 1961 Fairs Cup tie with Hibernian, with the prior meeting against Dundee United in 1984 marred by a notorious referee bribery scandal. Once, Scottish teams rivaled Europe’s elite; now, their coefficient has plummeted, threatening severe long-term consequences. Rangers’ new manager, Danny Röhl, earns tentative approval from fans simply for not being the reviled Russell Martin, whose disastrous 123-day tenure ended earlier this season. At 36, Röhl represents a generational shift opposite 67-year-old Atalanta veteran Gian Piero Gasperini. More glaring was Rangers’ lack of physical stature, which proved costly early: Bryan Cristante nodded a corner on at the near post, allowing Matías Soulé to volley home after just 13 minutes. Absent key attackers Evan Ndicka and Paulo Dybala—amid critiques of Roma’s toothless attack despite solid results—the goal provided timely relief.
Missed Chances and Fan Frustration Deepen Rangers’ Woes
Rangers squandered an immediate equalizer when Youssef Chermiti, the £8 million signing from Everton, blazed wide following a defensive error. His raw physicality suits the striker role, yet he seems hesitant to deploy it effectively, intensifying scrutiny on the recruitment team. Roma then controlled proceedings, extending their lead nine minutes before halftime through Lorenzo Pellegrini’s exquisite curled finish into Jack Butland’s bottom corner, teed up by Artem Dovbyk. Left unmarked, it was a sublime strike that muted the usually electric Ibrox atmosphere. Even halftime jeers lacked fervor as the gulf widened.
Second-Half Stirrings Fade Amid Leadership Backlash
The restart unfolded amid renewed supporter unrest, with banners targeting chief executive Patrick Stewart and sporting director Kevin Thelwell—ominous depictions suggesting deep discontent. Chairman Andrew Cavenagh, a low-profile US businessman who orchestrated a takeover, remains unscathed for now, but the fanbase’s rebellious sentiment is palpable and justified given the board’s lack of conviction. Chermiti spurned another clear chance on the hour, slicing into the side netting, which sparked Rangers’ most threatening phase: substitute Thelo Aasgaard nearly leveled but skimmed the post. Roma’s intent waned until Zeki Çelik fluffed a tap-in from a yard out, ballooning onto the bar. Substitutions galore transformed the closing stages into a subdued affair, more akin to a preseason scrimmage than high-stakes battle—perfect for the visitors. It’s baffling how Rangers, finalists in 2022 and quarterfinalists last term, have sunk to mere participants.
