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.
9. Sam Lammers - 3/10
Woeful. Very quiet once again and failed to contribute much of real note. A player seriously lacking in confidence. Subbed after 67 mins. | AFP via Getty Images
10. Scott Wright - 5/10
Tried his best to make things happen but to no avail. Produced a rare moment of quality when he spun away from his marker and sent a dangerous cross but Sima gave away a foul. Subbed after 84 mins. | AFP via Getty Images
11. Abdallah Sima - 7/10
One of the only players to display a bit of fight and carried the biggest attacking threat. Handed his team mates some hope in the second half after rising highest to head Lundstram’s pinpoint cross beyond the keeper. Pace and power caused Aris problems. | AFP via Getty Images
12. Cyriel Dessers - 5/10
In desperate need of a goal. The Nigerian thought he had equalised but was correctly flagged offside, which VAR eventually agreed with. Looked to get onto Goldson’s long ball but heavy touch saw him clatter into the Aris keeper. Had a soft penalty appeal waved away. | AFP via Getty Images