- Second-half goal from former Celtic striker Oh Hyeon-Gyu condemns Rangers to defeat in Europa League opener.
- Pressure continues to build on manager Russell Martin as dismal start to the season goes on.
Ten-man Rangers’ Europa League campaign got off to a losing start after falling to defeat at the hands of Genk on another disappointing night at Ibrox.
The club have won just four times in all competitions this season, and the pressure is mounting on manager Russell Martin, who faces an uphill task to convince the fans that he can turn the club’s fortunes around.
The former Southampton boss would have been content if not enthralled by the first-half display against the Belgians, but was forced to tear up his team talk following Mohamed Diomande’s reckless lunge on Zakaria El Ouahdi which saw the midfielder shown a straight red.
Jack Butland saved a penalty from Oh Hyeon-Gyu just before the interval, but was powerless to prevent the one-time Celtic forward from deservedly putting his team in front early in the second period.
The hosts huffed and puffed in the closing stages, but struggled to create any opportunities of note in front of a frustrated home support.
Kevin McKenna was on hand to run the rule over Martin and his men…
Rangers manager Russell Martin was left to pick up the pieces of yet another abject defeat
Thelo Aasgaard (centre) was among several in blue to struggle against the Belgian side
Former Celtic striker Oh Hyeon-Gyu netted the winner after passing up a host of chances
RANGERS (4-3-3)
Jack Butland 7
Stepped up in Europe once again with big penalty save. Left badly exposed by his defenders for the goal.
James Tavernier 6
Rollercoaster of emotions for the skipper. Thought he’d won a penalty before conceding one at the other end.
John Souttar 6
Made several typically robust blocks in first half but posted missing as Oh raced through on goal to give Genk the lead.
Derek Cornelius 5.5
One terrific challenge on Oh just as the striker was about to slot home. Didn’t cover himself in glory at the goal.
Jack Butland kept the scores level going in to the break after producing a big penalty save
Jayden Meghoma 5
Given all sorts of problems by El Ouahdi and was fortunate not to be punished. Far better when on the front foot.
Mohamed Diomande 3
Can have no complaints after seeing red for a wild challenge just before half-time. Let his team down.
Thelo Aasgaard 5
Struggled to exert any influence on proceedings in the final third. Jury is very much still out on the midfielder.fg
Nicolas Raskin 6
Tireless shift in the middle and stuck to his task well. The Belgian was forced to defend more than he’d have liked.
Mikey Moore 5
Lively in early stages and went close with a couple of efforts. Sacrificed at the break.
Mohamed Diomande (left) was shown a straight red in the first half for a wild challenge
Yousseff Chermiti 6
Looked to relish the physical battle on first start for the club, but was given precious little service to work with.
Djeidi Gassama 7
Far and away Rangers’ biggest attacking threat. Had the beating of his man all night. Booked for dive inside the area
SUBSTITUTES: Antman (Moore 46), Rothwell (Cornelius 80), Barron (Aasgaard 80), Miovski (Chermiti 80).
Russell Martin 4
Hands tied after sending off, but his team were far too open at the back. Pressure building.
GENK (5-3-2): Van Crombrugge; El Ouahdi , Smets, Sadick , Kayembe, Medina (Adedeji-Sternberg 64); Hrosovsky (Karetsas 92), Bangoura (Nkuba 81), Heynen; Steuckers (Sattlberger 81, Oh Hyeon-Gyu (Erabi 80).
REFEREE: Matej Jug (SLO) 4
ATTENDANCE: N/A
