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Michael Stewart and Peter Lovenkrands have both given instant verdicts on the defeat suffered by Rangers on Thursday night, as Slavia Prague secured a 2-0 win at Ibrox – and the latter has explained what surprised him.
Rangers came into the match having earned an excellent 1-1 draw away from home – but were largely second best and had Allan McGregor to thank, producing a save that the Slavia manager compared to Gordon Banks.
But McGregor was hardly at his best when Peter Olayinka’s header squeezed past him at his near post after 14 minutes. Kemar Roofe was sent off for a high foot on the goalkeeper, moments after coming on.
Leon Balogun saw a second red card, leaving Rangers with nine men and the impressive Nicolae Stanciu scored a brilliant free-kick. Both Stewart and Lovenkrands reacted, and the ex-Gers attacker explained his surprise.
: “I’ve not seen a side tactically out-smart Rangers in a long time and Slavia have done that. You look at the result against Leicester and now Rangers and you’d fancy them against anyone in this competition.”
Lovenkrands followed, : “I have to be honest, when this tie came up, I thought Rangers had enough to get past them, but Slavia have really surprised me. They’re a really good side.”
TBR’s view – Rangers will be back next year
It has been an excellent season at Ibrox and while they will be disappointed they have been knocked out of the Europa League at the same stage that exited last season – they will take positives from the fact they are frustrated.
With the chance to qualify for the Champions League group stages, Rangers will have to go again – and reach the next level. But the last 16 and the Scottish Premiership title is an incredibly successful season for Steven Gerrard.
