Rangers’ Europa league campaign in jeopardy after 2-1 loss

Rangers’ hopes of progressing in the Europa League are hanging by a thread after an unbeaten Ferencvaros fought back to claim a 2-1 victory in Budapest, handing the Ibrox side their fifth defeat in six group-stage matches, Sport360NG reports.

Bojan Miovski had given Rangers an early lead with a spectacular acrobatic volley, offering Danny Rohl’s men a rare advantage against the run of play. However, the visitors were unable to maintain their lead, as Bence Otvos struck a deflected effort into the bottom corner to level for the Hungarian side before half-time.

Despite missing several opportunities to take the lead, most notably through striker Bamidele Yusuf, Ferencvaros eventually broke the deadlock when Barnabas Varga headed in Callum O’Dowda’s precise cross in the 72nd minute. Rangers pressed for a late equaliser, with Findlay Curtis denied by a sharp save from goalkeeper David Grof.

The defeat leaves Rangers still searching for their first win in the competition. To have any chance of advancing, they must overcome Ludogorets and Porto in their remaining fixtures and rely on favourable results elsewhere. Even then, a total of seven points is unlikely to suffice, with 22 teams already on eight or more. Depending on other results later on Thursday, Rangers could be eliminated outright.

Defensive Frailties and Missed Opportunities

While Rangers have shown improvement in recent weeks, particularly at the back, defensive vulnerabilities were exposed for both Ferencvaros goals. Otvos was left unmarked for the equaliser, and Varga found space to head home O’Dowda’s cross despite Emmanuel Fernandez’s presence. The image of Fernandez standing with his hands on his head as the hosts celebrated summed up Rangers’ struggles.

Offensively, Bojan Miovski provided a rare spark, converting a deflected Danilo shot with a deft bicycle kick—the team’s first shot on target. However, Miovski’s injury in the second half and the quiet performance of Youssef Chermiti, who touched the ball only six times in 30 minutes, highlighted ongoing issues in attack. Chermiti, signed for a reported £8m from Everton, has yet to make a significant impact this season.

Rohl Reflects on the Setbacks

Rangers head coach Danny Rohl expressed his frustration after the match, focusing on the defensive lapses that cost his side.

“Honestly, I’m very angry about our conceded goals. We played a solid first half and went in front, exactly what you want. But then we made mistakes that cost us,” Rohl said.

“For the second game in a row in this competition, I see a team that is competitive and improving, but we destroyed our hard work in two or three situations. To take something, you have to be sharp for 90–95 minutes in every duel. Today we had the chance to win, and it’s hard to take these errors. From tomorrow, we focus on big league games. What happens in the next two Europa League matches is not a topic for me today.”