Rangers stunned by Jagiellonia as Europa League exit confirmed on night of Ibrox anguish
Rangers drop into the Conference League play-off after drawing 1-1 with Polish outfit
Derek McInnes’ wait for a first victory as Rangers manager continues after his side crashed out of the Europa League following a 1-1 draw against Jagiellonia Bialystok in the second leg of their third round qualifier at Ibrox.
McInnes, who remain winless after four games, will now have to contend with growing fan pressure as the Light Blues drop into the Europa Conference League play-off round where they will have to beat Czech side FK Jablonec if they are to extend their latest continental campaign.
Trailing 2-1 from last week’s first leg, the evening started on a positive note for the hosts as captain Lawrence Shankland tucked home his first goal for the club from the penalty spot. It came after former Celtic defender Yuki Kobayashi was penalised for using his arm to block Daisuke Yokota’s cross.
Shankland’s assured spot-kick levelled the tie, but Rangers failed to build on that early momentum with Slovenian striker Nik Prelec, formerly of Oxford United, plunging a dagger into home hearts with a 65th-minute equaliser.
Jagiellonia maintained a constant threat in the final third with veteran centre-forward Jesus Imaz firing a low 20-yard drive off the inside of the post and across the face of goal. Imaz then stung the palms of Ivor Pandur with another effort from the edge of the box.
Rangers huffed and puffed but rarely threatened a late winner. Substitute Bojan Miovski headed off target in stoppage time after connecting with Findlay Curtis’ cross.
However, it was the Poles who advanced in the competition 3-2 on aggregate as loud boos rang out from the stands at the full-time whistle.
What has Derek McInnes said?
“It is not great to watch,” said downbeat Rangers boss Derek McInnes when asked for his post-match assessment. “My team go from some good highs in the first half to being as poor as we were in the second half and you have to say we didn't do enough. We huffed and puffed and even when we threw [Emmanuel] Fernandez up, we still don't make the right decisions.
"The club is built for the Champions League and Europa League, but I don't think the team is ready for it and it pains me to say it. We need to get more quality, we need to get more confidence into the team.
"That is the job I came into Rangers to do. Rangers finishing third last season, what was served up wasn't good enough. We have to get things moving in the right way quickly.
"We should be winning this game. Jagiellonia are a decent team with some good players and I think they're well coached, but Rangers at their best should be winning this. We have work to do to get ready for a cup tie against St Mirren on Sunday."