Football fans couldn’t believe the woeful defending they saw from Rangers during their Champions League qualifier against Club Brugge.

The Gers’ hopes of reaching the Champions League league phase are looking bleak with a 3-1 defeat in the first leg, with the first goal of the match in particular a defensive horror show from the Scottish giants.

Rangers’ hopes of reaching the Champions League proper are looking bleak
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Rangers have won just two of their seven competitive matches under Russell Martin
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From a Rangers attack, Crystal Palace-linked Christos Tzolis lifted a simple ball forward that two Gers players failed to deal with.

Centre-back Nasser Djiga tried to use his body to hold up Romeo Vermant for Jack Butland to collect.

The problem is that Butland was still in his box when the ball bounces through, and Djiga was 40 yards from goal.

His fellow centre-back, John Souttar, thought the danger was dealt with and ran in the other direction.

Vermant then skipped through and lobbed Butland, who had started to go and clear the ball.

It was a truly shambolic moment for Rangers, and fans have had their say.

One said: “Rangers have just conceded one of the worst goals I’ve seen defensively.”

Another said: “Were Rangers playing stick goalies?”

And one more added: “Awful defending but some finish.”

Rangers failed to deal with a long, hopeful ball forward with both centre-backs parting like the red sea
Butland was in no-man’s land when Vermant took the shot

What else happened?

This horrendous goal proved to be just the start as Tzolis was again the provider.

The former Norwich City man has been linked with a move to the Premier League this summer.

Reports suggest Crystal Palace want the Greek international to replace Eberechi Eze, who talkSPORT understands is close to joining Tottenham Hotspur.

And this performance might add a few million to that price tag because Tzolis tore Rangers apart.

After setting up that first goal, he then fed Jorne Spileers four minutes later as the Belgian side claimed a two-goal lead inside ten minutes.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - AUGUST 19: Nicky Hayen manager / head coach of Club Brugge celebrates with Brandon Mechele of Club Brugge as he celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 0-3 during the UEFA Champions League Play-offs Round First Leg match between Rangers and Club Brugge at Ibrox Stadium on August 19, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Brugge ran riot at Ibrox
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It was 3-0 on 20 minutes as Brandon Mechele scored.

That was enough for plenty of Rangers fans who headed for the exits, leaving Russell Martin baffled on the sideline.

They have just about managed to keep the tie alive with a goal from Danilo in the second half.

The Gers now head to Belgium next Wednesday to try and save the tie.

They are going to need a much better performance if they are to stand any chance of getting into the Champions League.

It’s another poor result for Martin, who hasn’t had a good start north of the border.

Since the start of the season, Rangers have won two games of their first seven.

They have drawn their first two in the SPFL, with the two wins in the Scottish League Cup and Champions League.

The pressure on Martin could now ramp up.