Rangers ended their disastrous Europa League season with a first-half collapse, losing 3-1 to Porto at the Estadio do Dragao.
Gers attacker Jaydee Gassama opened the scoring after just six minutes, but it soon crumbled under disastrous defending, goals from teenagers Rodrigo Mora, Francisco Moura and an own goal from Emmanuel Fernandes, with Danny Rohr’s side reeling before the break, with the Portuguese side comfortably fending off an improved Govan side after the break.
Rangers had already been eliminated from the competition before kick-off, but it was the Ibrox side’s first defeat in nine games, and there were moments in the first half where they reverted to their early-season form.
Having been eliminated from the competition with four points after eight games in the league phase, the Light Blues return to the more encouraging surroundings of the Scottish Premiership on Sunday when they take on Hibernian at Easter Road, hoping to maintain at least a four-point gap over leaders Hearts.
Manager Rohr always had his eye on Hibs, but three players he signed in January – Danish winger Andreas Skov-Olsen, Danish midfielder Toti Chukwani and Belgian left-back Toul Romans – were ineligible, as was Nedim Bajrami.
The Gers manager has added five players to his team, including Max Aarons, Mohamed Diomande, Findlay Curtis, Gassama and Youssef Cermiti.
Porto win 2-1 thanks to Francisco Moura’s goal
Francesco Farioli’s side sit ninth in the Euros with just one loss in seven games and were aiming for automatic qualification, but the home fans were immediately stunned when Curtis’ cross from the right was headed down to the ground and Gassama rounded Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
However, Porto quickly took control and in the 27th minute Gers defender Jayden Meghoma tipped the ball towards his own goal in an attempt to clear, before 18-year-old Rodrigo Mora quickly controlled and fired home from close range.
A few minutes later, Fernandes left Pepe on the floor with a final tackle inside the Light Blues’ box, but play continued, resulting in a VAR check for a potential penalty for Porto.
Rangers’ Jadey Gassama scores early against Porto
The Rangers lost two goals in the final five minutes of the first half and collapsed.
In the 36th minute, Francisco Moura flicked into goal from a yard out after captain James Tavernier and keeper Jack Butland tripped over each other trying to deal with a long ball into the box.
Gers’ misery was compounded in the 41st minute when an off-balance Fernandes headed home his own goal from a corner kick.
Govan’s side looked to make a difference in the second half ahead of Easter Road at the weekend, with Rolle bringing in all five substitutes.
Rangers lost 3-1 to Porto in the final Europa League game.
In the 63rd minute, Gers midfielder Nico Raskin drew a save from Costa and the corner kick posed no danger.
Butland then went wide in his own box, but substitute John Souter parried the ball and Porto suffered yet another near miss, allowing Rangers to advance through the game.
Despite the sad end to the Europa League campaign, Rohr looks forward with hope
Rangers manager Danny Rohr:
“At the end of 20 minutes, we felt we were in really good shape. But then, 1-1, I think that’s what happens against strong teams. A moment too late, that’s what happens.”
“But I’m disappointed with 2-1. In this case it was too easy after a 40-metre ball (into the box). After that, I think we were a bit unlucky at the end. (3-1) It was an own goal from a set-piece where we knew our opponents were strong.”
“In general, we played against a strong team that is very experienced, has high individual quality, is very (well) coached and has a good manager.
“But I compare this game to the Bergen game. I see a big, big step forward.
“Right now it’s not good enough. We have to improve in the future, especially in this tournament.
“But when you go to Porto and see us coming forward and trying things in possession and counter-pressing, I’m really proud of our development, especially in Europe, and this is where we need to work.”
“I told the players we would never talk about this game again.
“I’m completely focused on the league right now. We have a mission, we have a method, and that’s why we need all our energy right now.”
