Rangers collapse early against Club Brugge to leave Martin facing fans' wrath
Martin may be a believer in his own processes but in an environment where snap decisions are often sustained, he does not have long to set them in place. The chances of Rangers playing Champions League football rather than the Europa League are an outside chance after a first-half performance of rank ineptitude, the tone and probably the two-legged tie set by a horrible opening 20 minutes in which three soft goals were conceded. So early in his stewardship, Martin is still in the experimental phase and until a revival in the second half the experiment looked likely to be abandoned some time soon.
Jayden Meghoma was making his debut at left-back, the Brentford loanee familiar to Martin from Southampton. James Tavernier, club captain, was benched, with another Premier League loanee, Max Aarons at right-back. Christos Tzolis, reportedly high on Crystal Palace's list should Eberechi Eze depart, and a scorer for Greece at Hampden Park in March, was earmarked as Brugge's danger man, veteran Hans Vanaken as the roving playmaker. They did not take long to hit their straps.
Ibrox initially backed its team. With Europa League qualification banked, Rangers went at their task positively. Though briefly. In the third minute came one of those moments that scar Martin's reign so far. His managerial career, too. Danilo's shot at the Brugge goal was blocked and within seconds Rangers were a goal down, the ball bouncing to Tzolis, whose onward ball caught a dozing Nasser Djiga unawares, goalkeeper Jack Butland stranded. Romeo Vermant's lobbed finish was exquisite, even if granted the freedom of Govan.
To compound disaster, Rangers' mess of a zonal defence allowed Jorne Spileers to stroke home Vermant's corner four minutes later, defenders stock-still. By the 20th minute, the tie felt all but decided, bar barracking for Rangers players and manager.
Brandon Mechele celebrated his 500th Brugge appearance by seizing on a loose ball, drilling home, again unchallenged, sending fans barrelling for the exits. A grim, ugly exposure. Whatever Martin is attempting, such moments only cut down his chances of being given time. Never in 61 years of European football had Rangers fallen so far behind so quickly.
Nicky Hayen, the Brugge coach, was at nearby Haverfordwest while Martin managed Championship Swansea in the 2021-22 season. In 2025, the gulf between their teams during that first 45 minutes was aching. The half-time reaction was rancorous but Rangers players returned with higher energy, and their lifeline arrived. Meghoma burst down the left, supplying Danilo for a close-range finish. That injected positivity into Ibrox, Brugge's defenders far less composed as Djeidi Gassama was the liveliest.
At last, the attacking football Martin evangelises, though the back door remained open, Butland saved when Mechele was again unmarked from a corner. On the hour, Martin threw on Hamza Igamane and Thelo Aasgaard, with Tottenham loanee Mikey Moore soon arriving alongside Tavernier.
Sign up to Football Daily
Kick off your evenings with the Guardian's take on the world of football
after newsletter promotion
Brugge, mindful of their advantage, retreated into their shell, looking to the counter and Rangers' propensity for mistakes for their opportunities to attack. And inviting Rangers on, they seemed to have conceded again, Gassama forcing the ball home from close range only for him to be penalised for knocking the ball from veteran goalkeeper Simon Mignolet's grasp. It looked marginal, at best, and stopped the roof being raised but did at least suggest Rangers had improved from the abject gloom of the first half.
Mignolet was certainly the busier goalkeeper as the end of the first leg beckoned. Rangers had only partially redeemed themselves but Martin, one of life's optimists, will take the positives from a marked improvement. The truth was it could hardly have been any worse. Better – far far better – must come in Belgium if Rangers are to have any hope in the second leg.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
17 minutes ago
- The Independent
Palace boss makes transfer admission with star midfielder close to departure
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner indicated that Eberechi Eze has likely played his last game for the club. Eze reportedly pulled out of Crystal Palace's Conference League play-off match against Fredrikstad on Thursday morning, citing illness. Arsenal is reportedly close to finalising a £60 million deal for the England international, with confirmation possible this weekend. Glasner expressed frustration over Crystal Palace's lack of transfer activity, stating the club missed the chance to replace Eze early enough. Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish acknowledged Eze's departure, stating the club must move on and find new players.
The Sun
18 minutes ago
- The Sun
Horse racing tips: ‘He's unexposed and like a bullet out the gates' – Templegate's huge 12-1 NAP for day three of York
TEMPLEGATE tackles day three of the York Ebor Festival confident of bashing the bookies with his best racing tips. Back a horse by clicking their odds below. NIGHT RAIDER (3.35 York, nap) He has shaped better than his form figures suggest, especially when sixth behind JM Jungle at Goodwood. He was the winner on the wrong side of the track there. Still unexposed at 5f and can improve again. ZGHARTA (4.10 York, nb) She was a typical Goodwood hard-luck story last time and this more conventional track should be ideal. She finished with running left and the return to this trip on fast could suit ideally. She is on a workable mark and shapes as one firmly on the up. The Gosden stayer can reel in another nice prize after his demolition job in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot. He made all that day and surged clear of a strong field, backing up a dominant win in the Henry II at Sandown. Proven over the trip and fine on this quick surface, he looks the class act here and hard to oppose. 1.50 NAQEEB looks primed to land this hot handicap after a huge run at Goodwood, charging home for second despite losing a shoe during the race. That backed up a storming third at Royal Ascot and he's crying out for this sort of test. A strong traveller with proven form on quick ground, he's weighted to strike and looks ready to cash in. Mount Atlas is a big danger up in class after a smooth Ascot win. He's clearly thriving but has a little bit more on his plate here from a career-high mark. Insanity is one to note after a luckless third in the same race – he wasn't ideally placed that day and could easily hit the frame again. This Songisforyou was pitched into Group company last time and didn't disgrace himself – he'll find this easier and shouldn't be overlooked. French Duke hasn't fired this season but has talent and is slowly coming down the weights. 2.25 TRAWLERMAN can reel in another nice prize after his demolition job in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot. He made all that day and surged clear of a strong field, backing up a dominant win in the Henry II at Sandown. Proven over the trip and fine on this quick surface, he looks the class act here and hard to oppose. Al Qareem is thriving, especially at York, and arrives chasing a hat-trick after front-running wins in Listed and Group 3 company. He'll push the pace again and won't go down without a fight. Sweet William is consistent and stays all day but often gives ground away early and may need to be sharper from the gates to land a blow. Al Nayyir bounced back with a narrow defeat to Coltrane last time and does stay this far, though he's yet to score at this level. Dubai Future has plenty of back class but has been found wanting in top races this term, while three-year-old Shackleton is a likeable type for the future but needs a big step forward to trouble these old hands. 3.00 DO OR DO NOT can get off the mark in the Gimcrack. This son of Space Blues has danced every dance this summer, hitting the frame in three consecutive Group 2s. He was just behind high-class performers at both Newmarket and Goodwood, shaping like a colt crying out for a big pot. He's tactically sharp, handles quick ground and looks rock solid with first-time cheekpieces added to the mix. Reciprocated went backwards at Ascot after two easy wins and needs to settle better, while Rock On Thunder ran well at Newbury but needs more in this company. Egoli has won twice and fared best on the wrong side of the track at Goodwood. Any improvement on that would put him in the picture. The speedy Comical Point needs a revival after flopping in the July Stakes at Newmarket last time. Lifeplan impressed on debut but faces a major class hike, while Irish Fighter and Yorkshire Puds both look up against it in this good company. 3.35 NIGHT RAIDER can land a smash and grab in the £700,000 Nunthorpe (3.35 York, nap). Karl Burke's flyer is ideally drawn in stall eight and deserves a change of luck after winning on the wrong side at Goodwood last time. He has loads of pace and will be right up there. JM Jungle beat him and a few of the others in that race and looks dangerous again. Arizona Blaze and Aussie Asfoora are in the mix too along with youngster Lady Iman. Here's my guide to the field, where I rate them from one (worst) to five (best): JM JUNGLE 4 JUNGLE boogie. Thriving sprinter, has improved through the season and comes here on the back of a Group 2 win at Goodwood. 5f ideal, handles fast ground well and is a strong contender at a track he likes. KERDOS 2 DON'T Ker. Well beaten at Goodwood but didn't really get the run of the race. Has shown flashes of form this year, including a solid Group 1 run at Ascot. 5f suits but might find a few too sharp. MANACCAN 1 NO Man. Back from a break this season and took a step forward last time in handicap company. Has Group form at best but looks vulnerable in this calibre of race. NIGHT RAIDER 5 NIGHT fever. Has shaped better than his form figures suggest, especially when sixth behind JM Jungle at Goodwood. He was the winner on the wrong side of the track there. Still unexposed at 5f and can improve again. RUMSTAR 3 STAR potential. Didn't seem to like soft at the Curragh last time after a career-best Sandown win. Consistent and will prefer this going. Could bounce back and one of many place chances. SPARTAN ARROW 1 BLUNT Arrow. Listed winner earlier this season and solid handicapper but hasn't looked up to this grade in recent runs. Latest Goodwood ninth confirms he's got something to find at this level. WASHINGTON HEIGHTS 3 WASH and go. C&D winner in Listed last month, and third in a strong Haydock Group 2 earlier this season so deserves to be here. Ggoes well fresh, so could easily run into the frame again. AIN'T NOBODY 1 NOBODY'S fool. Yet to score in 2025 but fair placed form in Pattern company earlier this term. Last two runs have been below that standard though and this looks a stretch on known form. ARIZONA BLAZE 4 BLAZE on fire. Improving colt with a turn of foot and showed that with convincing Group 2 win in Ireland last time. Has high-level form at 5f and arrives at the top of his game. Major player. ASFOORA 4 AS a chance. Australian mare with top-class back form, including a Royal Ascot win in 2024. This season's efforts have been decent without being electric but now third-up and fitter. Should be thereabouts if able to bring her best form. FROST AT DAWN 3 DAWN chorus. Group 1 runner-up earlier this summer and consistent at 5f. Fourth behind JM Jungle at Goodwood last time was solid. Likes fast ground, and strong pace will suit her style. MGHEERA 3 HEER we go. Classy mare with two Group wins already this year. Not at best in Ireland last time but needed the run after a break. Has pace and on the each-way shortlist under Buick. SHE'S QUALITY 3 QUALITY counts. Very solid filly, placed in last four Group runs and just denied by JM Jungle at Goodwood. Consistent, speedy and suited by conditions. Likely to run her usual honest race. CELANDINE 2 HARD Cell. Good run at Chester last time and a previous Group 3 scorer. Ground no issue and course winner too but this is her toughest task to date and she may just get outpaced. SAYIDAH DARIYAN 3 SAY maybe. Impressive winner of the Summer Stakes here last time over 6f and is improving. Likely to be ridden for a late burst and has claims if pace collapses. Needs another career-best. LADY IMAN 4 IMAN of the moment. Unbeaten 2yo filly who took the Molecomb in style at Goodwood. Gets huge weight-for-age allowance and clearly fast. First time taking on older horses but her profile screams serious Group 1 potential. SPICY MARG 3 NICE and Spicy. Has done little wrong so far and bolted up in minor race last time. Faces far stronger opposition but her finishing kick is potent. Gets lumps of weight and can hit the frame. 4.10 ZGHARTA was a typical Goodwood hard-luck story last time and this more conventional track should be ideal. She finished with running left and the return to this trip on fast could suit ideally. She is on a workable mark and shapes as one firmly on the up. Wonder Star is a big threat after nearly landing a similar contest at Goodwood. She travelled well there and is improving, but her draw and lack of experience in deeper handicaps are small concerns. Akecheta caught the eye from off the pace at Goodwood and is well suited by a strong gallop. She's handicapped to strike again soon. Cape Flora was visually striking at Leicester. This is tougher, but she's unexposed. Callisto Dream has shaped with promise all this season and she could improve for this step up in trip. Templegate's tips Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who:
BBC News
18 minutes ago
- BBC News
Polvara stars for Aberdeen - but will he play more?
At the start of the week, rumours were swirling that Aberdeen midfielder Dante Polvara was a transfer target for Hibernian. Fans on social media were late Thursday, the American was the hero against 10-man FCSB in the Europa League, coming off the bench to spark a comeback from 2-0 down, as Aberdeen drew 2-2 in their play-off first midfielder is a fans' favourite at Pittodrie because of his warm personality, wholehearted displays and ability as a rounded Jimmy Thelin has used him sparingly so far this season, Polvara appearing for a combined 45 minutes as a substitute in Aberdeen's three games before American was introduced on 58 minutes against FCSB and played off the left, scoring a brilliant goal just three minutes later to revive Aberdeen's 25-year-old's performance helped cancel out the defensive mistakes which had undermined the Scottish Premiership side's display for an was a striking cameo which lays down the gauntlet to Thelin to pick him from the start in Bucharest next week. Polvara's 'huge' impact Scoring three minutes after coming on is the dream impact for any substitute, which is what the rangy Polvara it was not just the fact he scored but the quality of the goal ithself which was so impressive. A cross was guided behind him by Adil Aouchiche, and he reacted brilliantly to get to the ball awareness and agility to swivel and hit it first time off his left foot was even better, with the ball kissing the inside of the post on its way Polvara did not stop there. Four minutes later, his pinpoint cross teed up Ester Sokler, whose header went narrowly the death his sheer presence caused havoc in the box and, but for a good save, he might have won it for the American managed two shots, both on target, and created three chances, the joint most of any to Opta, he completed all 19 of his passes and won six of his eight duels, the joint most among Aberdeen players. He was everywhere."Polvara down that left-hand side was such an out ball," Aberdeen legend Willie Miller said on BBC Scotland. "He's a big strong unit. And the goal - he shouldn't be scoring from that position. Facing away from goal and he's able to manoeuvre himself to strike it. "That fired the crowd up and gave them the hope and optimism they could get something out of it."He made a huge difference. The aerial threat, the energy, the quality. He must be in the manager's thoughts to start next week." Will Polvara start the second leg? That is the key question. Polvara's time at Aberdeen has been constantly was sent on loan to Charleston in his homeland a year after signing in 2022, and only on his return did then manager Barry Robson give him a repaid the faith in the 2023-24 season, scoring against both Eintracht Frankfurt and PAOK in the Conference League as he started to become more of a pivotal figure.A hamstring tear last summer completely derailed his season as Thelin took charge, but even then he returned to make enough of an impact to help the team win the Scottish has been deployed as a centre-back, central midfielder, and a winger in his time at Pittodrie - versatility which managers love but which often makes it difficult to nail down a particular Thelin using a 4-2-3-1 system and preferring Sivert Heltne Nilsen and Ante Palaversa in the deeper roles and Aouchiche as the number 10 - along with traditional quick wingers out wide - Polvara starting would mean a change of tack from the Aberdeen was his impact on Thursday, though, Thelin may just be considering it, particularly as he showed he appears to be over his fitness those Hibs rumours surfaced, there were reports, external Polvara is set to be offered a new contract by Aberdeen, with his current deal up at the end of the more games would encourage the much-loved American to sign, as will more nights like Thursday at Pittodrie.
