Rangers captain James Tavernier insists his side still has a chance to reach the Europa League knockout stages, despite taking just one point from their opening five group matches. The Gers were held to a 1-1 draw at Ibrox by ten-man Sporting Braga, who capitalized on a defensive blunder by Nasser Djiga after Rodrigo Zalazar was sent off for headbutting Nicolas Raskin.
Tavernier had given Rangers the lead in first-half injury time after Gabri Martinez handled the ball, with his finish equaling Ally McCoist’s record of 21 European goals for the club.
While the draw ended Rangers’ seven-game European losing streak, the path to progression remains daunting, with trips to Ferencvaros and Porto still to come, separated by a home clash with Ludogorets. With nine points likely needed to advance, the task ahead seems formidable.
“Feels Almost Like a Loss” – Tavernier Reacts
Tavernier admitted the frustration following the match but emphasized the need for focus moving forward.
“It feels almost like a loss,” Tavernier said. “Being a Rangers player, you have to win every single game. That’s what we have to do from now to the end of this competition. It’s definitely not over, but we have to build from this.”
The Rangers skipper acknowledged Djiga’s mistake, where the defender misjudged a ball in swirling conditions, gifting Braga a point.
“I’ve got no complaint with Nasser, everyone makes a mistake, but we ultimately should have that game tied up before that even happens,” Tavernier added. “We have to be more patient, probing around their final third instead of trying to shoot maybe when it’s not on. We’ve got to be clinical in both boxes.”
Manager Danny Rohl: Signs of Progress
Rangers manager Danny Rohl reflected on the performance, noting positives despite the result.
“I think it’s disappointing but I look at the first 60 minutes. It was the first time I felt my team has been competitive in Europe. I think it’s a step forward. But in the end, we have to win and close the gaps,” he said.
Rohl highlighted that defensive mistakes and lapses in concentration have cost the team, stressing the need for consistency across 90 minutes.
“You can see the table. We didn’t lose the opportunity just today. It’s about the past four games. I’ve been here for four weeks and for 60 minutes I see a big difference. There is no question mark that it goes in the right direction,” Rohl added.
Pundits and Fans Question Rangers’ Quality
Despite Tavernier and Rohl’s optimism, pundits have raised doubts about whether this squad is capable of significant progress in Europe.
Former Rangers striker Ally McCoist expressed concern over the squad’s limitations:
“My concern, and it’s a big concern, is I’m not sure the team is capable of a lot better than that. I really hope I’m wrong. You can’t make mistakes like the goal they conceded. There’s an awful lot of work to be done.”
Fans echoed these frustrations on social media, criticizing defensive errors and overall quality:
- Gary: “Rohl has seriously lost the plot if he thinks that is 100% progress. The supporters need real improvement.”
- Denis: “Team has no backbone. A lot of players just aren’t good enough. January can’t come quick enough.”
- Steven: “Let’s accept Rangers aren’t reaching the next round. Even if we’d achieved a result tonight, we can’t beat Porto with this defence.”
With three crucial group-stage games remaining, including trips to Ferencvaros and Porto, Rangers must tighten their defence, improve their attacking efficiency, and find the consistency needed to keep their Europa League hopes alive. The club’s leadership and fans will be watching closely to see if Tavernier and his teammates can rise to the challenge.
Also Read: Malen Brace Sends Aston Villa Closer to Europa League Progression
