What started as a pivotal Champions League playoff at Ibrox disastrously turned into a lesson in how quickly things can unravel. Here are the five key takeaways from that calamitous opening:
1. Defensive Communications Are in Freefall
Woodwork wasn’t the only thing rattled — the spine of the defence was on its knees. A bizarre miscommunication between centre-back and goalkeeper Jack Butland allowed Romeo Vermant to drift through and lob calmly to open the scoring. It was being called “one of the worst goals I’ve ever seen” for good reason.
2. Brugge’s Creators Tore the Game Apart
Christos Tzolis, tipped for a move elsewhere, wasn’t just good — he was devastating. He played a part in two of the opening three goals, exposing a backline that looked two steps behind. Few could have foreseen how quickly the night would unravel.
3. Fans Reached Breaking Point — Quickly
By the 20-minute mark, thousands had already departed — disillusioned, frustrated, and feeling helpless. A collective “walkout” from fans underscores the depth of their concern, and the emotional impatience is growing.
4. Ally McCoist Didn’t Hold Back
Rangers legend Ally McCoist likened the performance to “Keystone Cops” level defending. He was blunt: “On that first-half performance, they couldn’t beat anybody.” Rare honesty that still stings
5. Second Half Grit — But Is It Enough?
Yes, the team sparked to life after the break. Danilo pulled one back early in the second half, and there were glimpses of fight, spirit, and glimpses of brighter ideas. But at this level, you can’t set up the comeback by conceding three early.
Final Thoughts
You can’t sugarcoat it — holding a 3–0 lead inside 20 minutes is unacceptable, especially on a night where the financial and reputational stakes are sky-high. If the aim is stability and momentum, this was a message — painfully delivered.
Yes, there's life in this tie yet — but only if mistakes are ruthlessly addressed, identity is rediscovered, and tactics grow more flexible.
2 comments
I’ve got to agree with ally it was like watching keystone cops but I’ve got to say it’s down to the management who’s tactics are wrong why would you play out from the back inviting the opposition to come at you especially as they carry a lethal threat the signs were on the way as we witnessed against victor plezen and then against alloa to be honest it’s been on the cards since we appointed the ejit he’s got to go before he damages the rest of the season if we loose on Sunday against st mirren we go seven points behind Celtic and when we face them next Sunday we could end up ten points behind them and at this time of the season thats unacceptable so hes got to go
I’ve got to agree with ally it was like watching keystone cops but I’ve got to say it’s down to the management who’s tactics are wrong why would you play out from the back inviting the opposition to come at you especially as they carry a lethal threat the signs were on the way as we witnessed against victor plezen and then against alloa to be honest it’s been on the cards since we appointed the ejit he’s got to go before he damages the rest of the season if we loose on Sunday against st mirren we go seven points behind Celtic and when we face them next Sunday we could end up ten points behind them and at this time of the season thats unacceptable so hes got to go