Defiant Russell Martin says two mad moments cost Rangers against Club Brugge but Champions League dream isn't over
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RUSSELL MARTIN says Rangers paid the price for 'two mad moments' - but refused to write off their Champions League dream.
Club Brugge scored three goals inside the first 20 minutes at Ibrox as jittery Gers blew their chance at a £40million jackpot.
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Russell Martin and players walking off at full-time
Credit: PA
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Dejected Rangers players applaud fans after final whistle
Credit: Getty
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Russell Martin insists they are still in it
Credit: PA
A horror mix-up between Nasser Djiga and keeper Jack Butland gifted Romeo Vermant the opener before Jorne Spileers and Brandon Mechele scored.
Danilo reduced the deficit and Djeidi Gassama had one ruled out by VAR - but boss Martin believes Gers can fight back.
He said: 'We had two mad moments with the goals we conceded early.
'It changed the whole feeling of the game and made so many of our decisions anxious.
'We needed to react better to the goals going in but it was a really difficult time for the guys on the pitch.
'We conceded again because the anxiety in the group was big.
'But I was really proud of the second half performance and the tie is not over.
'We showed aggression, composure and resilience in the second half. The energy was completely different.
'I was really proud of the team in the second half and I enjoyed the performance.
'It was as hard as it will ever be for those lads - but the group will grow from that.'
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Furious Gers fans poured out of Ibrox at 3-0 down and there were jeers at the half-time and full-time whistles.
But Martin wants the supporters to stay onside ahead of a crucial run of games before the end of this month.
He added: 'They are all entitled to their opinion, although we will need them so much.
'The club has had a long period, bar one season, when it's not been as successful as it wants to be.
'We need to come together. After the second-half performance, I hope they go away thinking this tie is not over.
'The pre-cursor to change is pain. I knew there would be pain early on.
'We have to make sure that the pain is worth it.
'The players' response has given me new energy about what's to come.
'We will do everything we can next week to win the game and qualify for the Champions League.
'All of us inside the building need to be really strong and continue with the plan.
'The club has bounced about with many plans that have not worked.
'The level of resilience the team showed in the second half will help us grow a lot. I believe that.
'We are now in the position of hunting and chasing next week. I'm going to enjoy that and I think the players will as well.'
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Gers scorer Danilo said: 'We will keep fighting to turn everything round.'
Brugge boss Nicky Hayen agreed the tie is not over - despite his side's commanding performance.
He said: 'When there are still 90 minutes to go, anything is possible.
'We embraced the atmosphere and we were very clever and intelligent.
'We knew where the spaces were and we executed our plan perfectly.'
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