Rangers’ Europa League campaign got off to a grim start as a late second-half strike from former Celtic forward Oh Hyeon-Gyu handed Genk a deserved victory at Ibrox.
The loss marks another disappointing chapter in a season already filled with frustration for Rangers fans.
Red Card Chaos Shakes the Team
The game took a dramatic turn just before half-time when Mohamed Diomande’s reckless challenge on Zakaria El Ouahdi earned him a straight red card.
The dismissal left Rangers down to ten men, forcing manager Russell Martin to rethink his approach at a critical moment.
Despite a strong penalty save from Jack Butland just before the interval, Rangers were unable to capitalize, and Genk took the lead early in the second half.
Rangers’ Struggles on the Pitch
After going a man down, Rangers huffed and puffed in search of an equalizer but struggled to create clear-cut chances.
The home fans watched in frustration as the team failed to exert any real control in the final third, leaving Genk to manage the game and protect their lead.
Player Performances
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Jack Butland 7 – Made a crucial penalty save but was exposed for Genk’s opening goal.
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James Tavernier 6 – Experienced a rollercoaster of emotions, nearly winning a penalty but conceding one.
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John Souttar 6 – Strong in first-half blocks but caught out for the goal.
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Derek Cornelius 5.5 – Made a fine challenge but couldn’t stop the decisive strike.
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Jayden Meghoma 5 – Struggled defensively but showed glimpses when moving forward.
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Mohamed Diomande 3 – Red card justified after reckless tackle.
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Thelo Aasgaard 5 – Found it hard to influence the game in attack.
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Nicolas Raskin 6 – Tireless midfield effort, often forced into defensive duties.
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Mikey Moore 5 – Active early, went close, substituted at half-time.
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Yousseff Chermiti 6 – Physical presence, limited service.
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Djeidi Gassama 7 – Most threatening player, created danger throughout, booked for diving in the area.
Substitutes
Antman, Rothwell, Barron, and Miovski were brought on in attempts to change the game, but none could turn the tide.
Manager Russell Martin Under Pressure
Russell Martin faces growing scrutiny as Rangers’ early-season woes continue.
The sending-off left him with limited options, but the team’s defensive lapses before and after the red card underline bigger tactical issues.
Fans are demanding answers as Rangers look to recover momentum in both domestic and European competitions.
Genk’s Solid Performance
Genk, set up in a 5-3-2 formation, were efficient and disciplined, taking advantage of Rangers’ numerical disadvantage.
Oh Hyeon-Gyu’s goal was the icing on the cake, capping a professional performance that frustrated the home side and their supporters.
Europa League Worries for Rangers
With just four wins in all competitions this season, Rangers are now under serious pressure to turn things around.
The Europa League defeat serves as a warning that the challenges ahead will not be easy, and manager Martin must quickly find solutions if he hopes to steady the ship.