Steven Davis’ spell as caretaker manager got off to the worst possible start as leggy Rangers slumped to a dismal Europa League defeat away to Aris Limassol.
On an energy-sapping night in Cyprus, first-half goals from Alex Moucketou-Moussounda and Shavy Babicka had the hosts in a commanding lead at the Alphamega Stadium before Abdallah Sima reduced the deficit for Rangers.
However, a late equaliser wasn’t forthcoming for the Ibrox side, who were outplayed by their opponents and ensured their week went from bad to worse. It leaves the Light Blues in third spot in Group C, with all four sides now on three points from two games after Real Betis beat Sparta Prague by the same scoreline in the other tie.
Interim boss Davis named an attacking line-up and with certain players undoubtedly having a point to prove before kick-off, this was another poor performance that lacked any real energy, passion and quality.
They managed just two shots on target in a disjointed opening 45 minutes and struggled to create anything clear-cut, with frontman Cyriel Dessers looking devoid of confidence.
Centre-back Moussounda broke the deadlock after nine minutes when he glanced a header beyond visiting keeper Jack Butland and Babicka’s stunning first-time strike doubled the Cypriot champions advantage. Sima then bulleted a header from John Lundstram’s pinpoint cross into the net to give the Gers a lifeline, but Aris stood firm in the closing stages to leave Rangers in a state of turmoil.
Here’s our post-match player ratings following the 2-1 defeat:
Unused subs: Robby McCrorie (GK), Kieran Wright (GK), John Souttar, Dujon Sterling, Leon King, Adam Devine, Robbie Fraser, Arron Lyall, Cole McKinnon.
5. Ben Davies - 5/10
Made two important blocks to thwart Gomis early on and has to be alert moments later to snuff out another attack. Headed Tavernier’s injury-time corner miles off target. Often found himself on the back-foot. | AFP via Getty Images
6. Borna Barisic - 5/10
A threat from dead-ball situations but wasteful from a free-kick in a promising position late on. Will feel he should’ve done a lot better. | Getty Images
7. John Lundstram - 4/10
Poor. Fired an effort harmlessly wide of the target early on and looked a bit laboured. Teasing delivery for Sima to head home but only after allowing Bengtsson acres of room to pick out Babicka to score Aris’ second. | AFP via Getty Images
8. Nicolas Raskin - 5/10
Making his return from a calf injury but looked a passenger in first-half. Dinked a clever ball over to Tavernier after the break but the full back’s volley was off target. Subbed after 67 mins. Photo: Alan Harvey - SNS Group