Rangers Football Club was dealt yet another crushing defeat on Thursday night. They fell to a 2-1 defeat to Sturm Graz in UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD2. Beyond the loss, this is an important moment for the club. That means they have now gone 22 away matches without a clean sheet, equalling a club record that has lasted since January 1897. As advertised, Rangers were off to the races and creating multiple opportunities. Yet, they were unable to repel their foes and found themselves empty handed in the Europa League.
The closely-fought replay was held at the Merkur Arena in Graz, Austria, where Rangers were again unable to keep a strong defensive shape. Despite the extreme mismatch in offensive production, it was the team’s own defensive lapses that continued to give Sturm Graz the clear advantage in set-piece scenarios. Djeidi Gassama was able to get on the scoresheet for Rangers, but it did not prove enough to save them from losing.
Defensive Woes Continue
Add Rangers’ systemic defensive frailties — and the lessons learned from high-pressure set plays and throw-ins — into the mix, and it’s clear how the stage was set for disaster. One of the squad’s biggest challenges has been keeping a road match shutout. Perhaps more troubling, this trend has continued for more than a year.
Derek Cornelius, one of Rangers’ standouts in the tournament, admitted they didn’t have the best start.
“We didn’t start the match well, and that’s something we need to stop doing. We can’t be naive going into any game.” – Derek Cornelius
Cornelius supported this attitude when he told reporters after the match’s second half that he said it was the time that the team most lost control.
“Second half we were chasing the game and we weren’t good enough today. We need to do better.” – Derek Cornelius
The defensive unit’s performance raises questions about their preparedness and cohesion when facing high-pressure situations.
Missed Opportunities
Although they were far from solid at the back, Rangers did enjoy a bright start, creating a handful of chances to threaten an opener. Significantly, each Souttar and Youssef Chermiti required smart saves from the Sturm Graz keeper, Oliver Christensen. His creative slip pass for Souttar’s late goal was especially dazzling. Christensen pulled off a blazing save that kept Rangers from leveling in the 90th minute.
Cornelius was especially adamant that their attack was filled with promise. This promise was ultimately squandered as they were unable to turn their chances into goal scoring opportunities.
“I don’t know what the problem is. It seems like there are moments when everyone is switched on and tuned in, and then other moments when we are just not.” – Derek Cornelius
It has plagued Rangers on this inconsistency during their European campaign this year. They need to fix it fast to change their fortunes.
Call for Improvement
It wouldn’t make the job facing Rangers’ new manager, Russell Martin, any less daunting. For one his team is facing criticism in both domestic and European competition. Captain James Tavernier is prepared to lead that charge. With Cornelius and the other main actors, he will help push their work to the next level.
Cornelius was clear about the importance of coming together and building stronger chemistry on the field.
“We have to look at it, we need to be brighter, we need to help each other more.” – Derek Cornelius
With every additional play, the stakes for the Rangers go higher and higher. They need to start making plays defensively but take advantage of scored opportunities. Their next three are pretty darn important. They want to see this unfortunate run come to an end and finally start collecting some points in the Europa League.
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