Rangers’ defensive weaknesses were once again exposed when they lost to Ferencvaros, ending their hopes of progressing in the Europa League.
Danny Röhl’s side knew they needed a win in Budapest to have a realistic chance of finishing in the top 24, and Bojan Miovski gave them hope when his acrobatic opener was given away after a VAR check.
But they faded deep into first-half stoppage time, allowing Bence Otvos to bring the hosts back level with a deflected shot.
Nasser Djiga gave Rangers hope with two brilliant last-minute challenges, but it was another mistake at the back that saw Barnabas Varga lead Robbie Keane’s side with his 20th goal of the season in all competitions.
Rangers remain on one point with just two games remaining. Ferencvaros moves up to 14th place and looks certain to advance to the round of 16.
European woes continue
Danny Röhl is yet to win a European match as Rangers head coach
Röhl has won five from seven in the Scottish Premiership since taking over from Russell Martin, but has taken just one point from 12 in Europe.
The home side squandered a glorious opportunity in the third minute when striker Bamidele Yusuf easily cut through the Gers defense and fired his shot wide.
The visitors settled in, but in the 18th minute goalkeeper Jack Butland failed to collect a high ball in a crowded penalty area after a corner and Toon Raemaekers pushed the ball home from 12 yards.
The Hungarian team, playing in green and white hoops so closely associated with Gers’ Old Firm rivals Celtic, regained the upper hand but were undone in a moment of magic.
Bojan Miovski gave Rangers the lead with an acrobatic finish
Miovski’s spectacular kick from six yards, after Danilo attempted to palm away a Max Aarons cross, appeared to have come from an offside position, but there were huge cheers from the Gers support when the VAR confirmed the goal.
Moments later, Yusuf received a smart pass from Otvos but hit the side netting from eight yards out. Just when it looked like Röhl’s side would escape down the tunnel with a lead at the break, the 27-year-old Hungarian striker swept in a back pass from captain Ibrahim Cissé, the ball being slightly deflected by Djiga before heading past Butland.
Bence Otvos equalized for Ferencvaros just before halftime
In the 50th minute, facing a gap in the Gers defense, only a formidable recovery tackle from Djiga prevented Varga from shooting against Butland while the Light Blues took care of the corner.
A stretching Djiga then blocked a Yusuf effort as Ferencvaros remained in front, but they then took the lead when Callum O’Dowda’s cross from the left was headed in by Varga who received a free header from Gers defender Emmanuel Fernandez.
In the 87th minute, Findlay Curtis had a decent shot saved by Ferencvaros goalkeeper David Grof, but there was no late siege.
Reconstruction of the Röhl necessary
Can Danny Röhl turn things around for Rangers?
Alison Conroy from Sky Sports:
European nights have been Rangers’ sanctuary in recent seasons as they have struggled domestically, reaching the knockout stages of the UEFA second division tournament five times in the last six years.
But now they have nothing but pride to play for in their final two matches of this year’s competition, as the challenge Röhl will face in strengthening his squad in January has once again been laid bare.
Injuries have been a problem, with the head coach forced to rely on a makeshift central defense of Nasser Djiga and Emmanuel Fernandez, highlighting the mistakes made by his predecessor this summer.
Weak defensively and often lacking in confidence, it is evident that the German needs more leaders to cope with the demands of the game for the Ibrox side.
What’s next for the Rangers?
The Rangers The next Europa League match will take place at home against the Bulgarian team Ludogorets on January 22. Their last match will take place at Port on January 29.
