Rangers are facing a daunting task to reach the Champions League group stage after a dismal first-leg performance against Club Brugge at Ibrox Stadium on August 19, 2025. The Scottish side fell to a 3-1 defeat in the first leg of their Champions League play-off, leaving their hopes hanging by a thread.
The match began disastrously for Rangers, with Club Brugge taking the lead in just the third minute. A defensive mix-up allowed Romeo Vermant to lob the stranded Rangers goalkeeper, Jack Butland, and put the visitors ahead. The Belgian side doubled their advantage just four minutes later from a corner, with Jorne Spileers scoring. Brandon Mechele then added a third goal in the 20th minute, leaving the home crowd stunned. Some Rangers fans even headed for the exits after the third goal. The first half ended with boos ringing around Ibrox.
In the second half, Rangers showed some signs of life. Jayden Meghoma, who had just joined the squad on loan, provided an assist for Danilo to pull a goal back in the 50th minute. Rangers thought they had scored a second goal through Djeidi Gassama, but it was disallowed by VAR for a foul on the Club Brugge goalkeeper, Simon Mignolet. The match ended 3-1, leaving Rangers with a mountain to climb in the second leg.
After the match, Danilo admitted that the team had not played the way they wanted to, especially at the start of the game, and that the fans deserved better. He insisted that the tie was still in their hands and that they needed to change and do better.
Rangers now face a tough task to qualify for the Champions League. To progress, they need to win the second leg in Belgium by at least two goals. The defeat has increased the pressure on Rangers' head coach, Russell Martin, who has only won three of his eight matches in charge.
Club Brugge, on the other hand, have a strong recent record in the Champions League, having participated in seven of the last nine seasons. This includes last season, where they reached the round of 16 before being eliminated by Aston Villa. Rangers have reached the Champions League proper 11 times, but only once in the last 14 seasons. Their last appearance was in 2022/23.
