RANGERS GET CLUBBED BY BRUGGE

Martin's side facing exit after defensive calamity

- Ronnie Esplin

RANGERS' horrendous start to their Champions League playoff against Club Brugge left them with a bruising defeat and staring at the exit door.

In a nightmare beginning to the first leg, defender Nasser Djiga inexplicably failed to chase a through ball in the third minute and grateful visiting striker Romeo Vermant coolly lofted the ball over stranded goalkeeper Jack Butland.

And further strikes from Jorne Spileers and Brandon Mechele had the visitors 3-0 up after just 20 minutes.

Gers striker Danilo pulled a goal back four minutes after the break as the hosts rallied, but the Belgian outfit stood firm.

The return game against in Belgium next Wednesday will require a huge turnaround, albeit the Light Blues are assured Europa League group phase football at least.