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By GARY KEOWN Published: 07: 38 AEST, 3 October 2025 | Updated: 07: 38 AEST, 3 October 2025 View comments A first-half horror show condemned Rangers to a second consecutive Europa League defeat against Austrian champions, Sturm Graz. Tomi Horvat capitalised on slack defending early on to fire the hosts in front, and things went from bad to worse on the 35-minute mark, as Otar Kiteishvili prodded past Jack Butland after Rangers were caught napping at a set-piece. Russell Martin's men were much-improved after the break, and got their reward courtesy of a terrific Djeidi Gassama strike. Youssef Chermiti and John Souttar both came close to a late equaliser, but it wasn't to be for the Ibrox side, whose miserable start to the season continues. The result also piled more pressure on the manager, who has celebrated just five wins in all competitions since taking charge in the summer. Gary Keown ran the rule over Martin and his men. .. Russell Martin suffered yet another defeat as his wretched start as Rangers boss drags on Rangers shot themselves in the foot once again to give themselves a mountain to climb Otar Kiteishvili produced a delightful finish past Jack Butland to double his side's advantage RANGERS (4-2-3-1) Jack Butland 7. 5 Could have dealt better with opener, but was maybe unsighted. Made a number of very good saves after that. James Tavernier 4. 5 Some decent deliveries, but no one in defence can be given pass marks after those two awful first-half concessions. John Souttar 4 Terrible positioning at the opening goal that just left Rangers exposed. Hit late chance straight at keeper. Derek Cornelius 4. 5 Has to take part of the blame for defensive issues, but denied a late equaliser by Christensen before going off injured. Jayden Meghoma 3. 5 A young guy in an awful defensive set-up, but was caught at Sturm’s second and went off at half-time. Summer signing Oliver Antman was hardly involved and was hooked at the interval Nicolas Raskin 7 Much stronger in second 45 as Rangers got a grip, but passed up two really good chances from attacking positions. Connor Barron 4. 5 Lost Kiteishvili at the second goal. Did slightly better after the interval, but it was no shock when he went off for Rothwell. Oliver Antman 3. 5 Not for the first time, just didn’t offer enough on the right flank and was hooked at half-time for Miovski. Thelo Aasgaard 6 Like many, enjoyed a better second half before making way for Danilo, but you feel he must offer more offensively. Djeidi Gassama's powerful drive gave Rangers a lifeline in the second period Djeidi Gassama 8. 5 Easily Rangers’ most dangerous player and gave them a lifeline with a brilliant individual goal. Shows a great attitude too. Youssef Chermiti 7 Slack at opening goal, but hit the bar and forced some decent saves. Led the line pretty well. SUBSTITUTES: Miovski (Chermiti 46), Aarons (Meghoma, 46), Rothwell (Barron, 69), Moore (Cornelius, 78), Danilo (Aasgaard, 84). Russell Martin 4 Changed shape at half-time and got a reaction, but his team simply cannot keep defending as badly as this. STURM GRAZ (4-4-2): Christensen; Oermann (Mitchell, 73), Aiwu, Lavalee, Karic; Stankovic, Horvat (Geyrhofer, 84), Chukwuani, Kiteishvili (Grgic 73); Malone (Jatta, 73), Beganovic (Hoedl, 59). REFEREE: Halil Umut Meler (TUR) 7 ATTENDANCE: N/A
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