Roma too strong as Rangers suffer fourth straight Europa League defeat

Rangers’ European misery continued on Thursday night as they fell 2–0 to Roma at Ibrox.  

It was their fourth straight Europa League defeat and a club record seventh consecutive loss in continental competition.  

The Italian side showed their class early and quickly took control of possession.  

Matias Soule opened the scoring with a close-range header after Bryan Cristante flicked on Lorenzo Pellegrini’s corner.  

It was a nightmare start for Danny Rohl’s men who were already under pressure to deliver after a poor run of form.  

Roma doubled their lead before half-time with a beautifully worked team goal.  

Artem Dovbyk held up play before slipping the ball to Pellegrini who calmly slotted past Jack Butland to make it 2–0.  

The Serie A side could easily have added more before the break but Butland produced several key saves to keep Rangers in touch.  

The hosts improved after the interval and pushed higher up the pitch.  

Djeidi Gassama caused problems down the right with his pace and direct running.  

Youssef Chermiti and substitutes Danilo and Bojan Miovski all had half chances.  

Roma’s defence, led by Gianluca Mancini, stood firm and kept their shape well.  

Mile Svilar was rarely troubled in the away goal as Roma stayed comfortable.  

Zeki Celik somehow hit the crossbar from point-blank range which summed up Roma’s dominance.  

The defeat leaves Rangers rooted to the bottom of their Europa League group.  

They are still without a single point after four games and face an uphill battle to keep their European hopes alive.  

Upcoming fixtures against Braga and Ferencvaros will decide whether they can rescue their campaign.  

For Roma it was a comfortable night’s work at a lively Ibrox Stadium.  

Gian Piero Gasperini’s men were missing a few key players but still looked sharp and confident.  

Their movement, technical quality, and composure in possession were clear from the first whistle.  

The Italians now look well placed to progress from the group with two wins under their belt.  

Rangers’ focus must now shift back to domestic matters in the Scottish Premiership.  

They travel to Dundee on Sunday before the international break.