RANGERS are in serious trouble as they look to secure Champions League football for the first time since 2010.
A low drive into the bottom corner from Teddy Teuma gave Union Saint-Gilloise a deserved lead in Leuven.
And in the second half, Rangers were left fuming when VAR gave a controversial penalty after Connor Goldson was adjudged to have hanballed.
Dante Vanzeir then converted the spot kick to double the hosts’ advantage to give Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s men an uphill battle at Ibrox.
Subtle Sutton
Ex-Celtic player Chris Sutton couldn’t resist a dig at his rivals after their loss this evening.
Van Bronckhorst surprised at performance
In his post-match interview, the Rangers boss discussed his side’s defeat:
The performance today was really poor. We were never really in the game, key mistakes, giving transitional moments away. Luckily it was only 2-0. I was surprised he gave a penalty, but it was given. We need to change it around on Tuesday and we need to change it around big time. We looked like we weren’t comfortable on the ball and that surprised me. We lost together today. We are still in the tie.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst
The last Mc-Laugh
Rangers keeper Jon McLaughlin has been blamed for USG’s first goal after Teumo’s shot was straight at him. The 34-year-old appeared to fumble the ball as it bounced off him and into the net.
However, McLaughlin did make a couple of key saves towards the end of the game that just about keep his side in the tie.
.Credit: Willie Vass
VAR from a penalty
USG’s second goal came from the penalty spot, but the awarding of it has caused plenty of controversy.
On the replays the ball looks to deflect off a Rangers defender and on to Goldson’s arm from just a yard away.
VAR under fire again.
Bronckhorst beaten
Rangers boss Bronckhorst looked disappointed for large periods of the game this evening.
His first substitution came in the 67th minute. Fans may point the finger, suggesting he should have made changes sooner.
The Dutchman has serious work to do if he’s to turn this tie around next week.
.Credit: Willie Vass Well deserved win
USG didn’t look like a team who had never played Champions League football before. The Belgian side were positive in their play, creating a number of chances which the visitors were unable to keep out.
On the other hand, Rangers were very flat and never really got going. They lacked bite in attack, whilst looking shaky at the back.
.Credit: Willie Vass FULL TIME – USG 2-0 Rangers
The referee blows his whistle as USG secure their victory.
An uphill battle awaits Rangers next week at Ibrox.
USG 2-0 Rangers
90+3, Tavernier makes a vital clearance off the line!
That was very nearly game over for the visitors.
USG substitutions – USG 2-0 Rangers
90+2, Goalscorers Vanzeir and Teuma make way to a warm reception.
Francois and Puertas are on.
USG 2-0 Rangers
90, There will be 4 additional minutes here. Rangers need a goal.
USG change – USG 2-0 Rangers
85, Adringa strolls off to a standing ovation. Ilyes is on for the last five minutes or so.
USG 2-0 Rangers
84, Wright is at it again, running at defenders and this time wins a free kick of Van Der Heyen. The winger has looked positive since coming on.
USG 2-0 Rangers
82, Wright drives in field and plays a neat one two with Colack before being shoved off the ball. The substitute waves his arms, appealing for a penalty, but the referee looks disinterested.
USG 2-0 Rangers
81, Tavernier’s corner is plucked out of the air by Moris and the home fans celebrate as though they’ve scored. They are loving every second of this.
USG 2-0 Rangers
79, Huge save from McLaughlin!
Goldson gifts the ball back to USG and Vanzeir is set free one on one with the goalkeeper. McLaughlin does brilliantly, spreading himself, and saving Rangers from conceding a third with an outstretched boot.
Rangers Substitutions – USG 2-0 Rangers
77, Lawrence and Wright are on to help inspire a dramatic finish here.
New signings Matondo and Tillman make way. Not the start they would have wanted.
GOAL! – USG 2-0 Rangers
75, Vanzeir is the coolest man in the house, sending McLaughlin the wrong way and rolling the ball into the back of the net.
USG are in dreamland.
.Credit: Willie Vass USG 1-0 Rangers
73, Penalty to Rangers!
The referee took his time before pointing to the spot.
Goldson picks up a yellow for the incident. It looks harsh on the defender who was just a yard or so away from the ball.
Vanzeir has the chance fro the spot.
USG 1-0 Rangers
72, Oooo, VAR are checking for a handball against Goldson in the penalty area.
The referee has been called over to the screen…
.Credit: Willie Vass USG 1-0 Rangers
71, Rangers survive.
USG so nearly double their lead.
The USG players were lining up to shoot there. McLaughlin is forced into a double save before Adingra slices an effort over the bar.
.Credit: Willie Vass USG 1-0 Rangers
68, Rangers come close!
That’s their best move of the match.
Tavernier combines with Colak. The Croat flashes a deadly ball across goal, but no one in white and was close enough to it.
Rangers substitutions – USG 1-0 Rangers
66, Here they are then, the Rangers changes, and it’s a double.
Debutants Davies and Yilmaz are on. Barisic and Jack make way.
USG 1-0 Rangers
65, Rangers are being given no time on the ball. Vanzeir is on to Goldson in a flash, and the Rangers man is lucky to win a free kick.
Substitutions must be imminent for the visitors. They still look flat.
USG 1-0 Rangers
63, Tavernier looks to skip past Lapoussin, but the Madagascan stands his ground.
Rangers were in a good position from the free kick. Barisic would have been better floating a ball into the area.
USG 1-0 Rangers
59, USG come close.
Nieuwkoop lines one up and shaves the post with a left-footed effort.
Rangers are living dangerously.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
