BRUGGE CRUISE

Ropey Gers left punch drunk by horror start as Belgians run riot but fightback offers a little hope

- SCOTT McDERMOTT AT IBROX

3-0 down to the Belgian champs after just 20 minutes, when calamitous defending led to goals from Romeo Vermant, Jorne Spileers and Brandon Mechele.

Danilo pulled one back shortly after halftime but the damage had been done.

For Brugge’s first, it was a mix-up between Jack Butland and centre-back Nasser Djiga. Spileers was free at a corner to make it two, then Mechele pounced on a poor clearance to rifle home a third.

Danilo’ strike offered a glimmer of hope, as did a VAR-disallowed Djeidi Gassama goal but Gers couldn't mount a comeback.

STARTING TO LOOK BAD

A flurry of urgency and enthusiasm in the second half won't mask how poor Rangers were in the first. Nor will it dampen the criticism on Martin and his players.

Hopes of qualifying for the Champions League group phase look all but dead. But a Europa League berth might be a blessing in the long-term because this Rangers team simply aren't ready for Europe's top competition.

We all know Martin's side is a work in progress. And early on here, Brugge were a level above as they ripped them apart.

But if his team don’t up their game at St Mirren on Sunday then in the Old Firm against Celtic a week later, the flak will fly.