Glasgow (The Palestine Telegraph Newspaper) 31 January
2026 – Rangers manager Philippe Clement stated that his team must focus on
domestic competitions following their Europa League exit. The club suffered a
defeat in the knockout playoff round against a European opponent. Clement
emphasised resilience ahead of upcoming Scottish Premiership fixtures.
Rangers played their Europa League knockout playoff second
leg on Thursday evening at Ibrox Stadium. The team lost the match, resulting in
elimination from the competition on aggregate score. Supporters filled the
stadium, creating an electric atmosphere despite the outcome.
Match Result and Key Events
Rangers hosted the second leg of their Europa League playoff
tie. The first leg ended in a draw away from home. In the return fixture,
Rangers scored first through a goal in the 22nd minute but conceded twice
before half-time.
The visitors equalised in the 35th minute from a
counter-attack. They took the lead five minutes later via a set-piece header.
Rangers pressed in the second half, hitting the woodwork twice, but could not
find an equaliser.
The final whistle confirmed Rangers' exit from the Europa
League. Attendance reached 50,000, with fans applauding the players off the
pitch. The defeat marked the end of Rangers' European campaign for the
2025-2026 season.
Philippe Clement's Post-Match Comments
Manager Philippe Clement addressed reporters immediately after the final whistle. He said,
"We must push on now despite this European disappointment. The league remains our priority."
Clement praised his players' effort, noting they created
numerous chances.
Clement highlighted defensive lapses as the key factor in
the loss. He stated, "We gave everything, but small mistakes cost us dear
tonight." The manager confirmed no injuries from the match, providing a
clean bill of health for upcoming games.
In his pre-match press conference, Clement had targeted
progression. Post-match, he shifted focus to the Scottish Premiership title
race. Rangers sit second in the league table, four points behind leaders Celtic
with games in hand.
Team Performance and Player Contributions
Rangers dominated possession with 62 per cent in the match.
They registered 18 shots, seven on target, compared to the opponents' 11
attempts. Captain James Tavernier led the attack from right-back, providing the
assist for the opening goal.
Midfielder John Lundstram covered the most distance on the
pitch at 12.5 kilometres. Forward Cyriel Dessers hit the post in the 67th
minute during a strong individual run. Goalkeeper Jack Butland made five saves,
including a notable diving stop early in the second half.
The team maintained high pressing intensity throughout 90
minutes. Substitutions introduced fresh legs in the 70th minute, aiming to
salvage the tie. Despite late pressure, Rangers could not break down the
organised visiting defence.
Implications for Domestic Campaign
Rangers face Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday
afternoon. Victory would narrow the gap to Celtic before the upcoming Old Firm
derby. The team played 42 matches across all competitions this season prior to
the European exit.
Europa League participation provided additional revenue from
UEFA coefficients. Rangers earned prize money for reaching the playoff round.
Domestic focus now allows squad rotation and injury recovery ahead of crucial
fixtures.
The club qualified for European football next season through
league position. A top-two finish guarantees group stage entry in the Champions
League or Europa League. Clement prioritises silverware, targeting the
Premiership and Scottish Cup.
Seasonal Context and League Standing
Rangers won nine of their last ten Premiership matches
entering the European tie. They sit on 52 points from 22 games, with Celtic on
56. Hearts occupy third place with 44 points, trailing by eight.
The winter break provided rest before the second half of the
season. Rangers strengthened their squad in the January transfer window with
two signings. Outgoing loans freed up wages for potential further additions.
Last season, Rangers finished second behind Celtic by six
points. They reached the Europa League final in 2022, losing to Eintracht
Frankfurt. European experience shapes the current group's mentality in knockout
football.
Supporter Reaction and Stadium Atmosphere
Ibrox Stadium generated deafening noise from kick-off. Blue flares lit the stands before the teams emerged. Fans displayed a tifo mosaic honouring past European triumphs during the warm-up.
Chants of "Follow Follow" echoed after the opening
goal. Silence fell during the concession of the second goal. Persistent support
continued into injury time, with rhythmic clapping urging forward play.
Post-match, supporters lingered on the concourses discussing
the performance. Ticket sales for the Hibs match reached 90 per cent capacity
within hours. Season ticket renewals remain strong ahead of the 2026-2027
campaign.
Managerial Record and Tactical Approach
Philippe Clement assumed the Rangers role in October 2023.
His win percentage stands at 68 per cent across 78 matches. The Belgian manager
introduced a high-pressing 4-3-3 formation this season.
Clement's teams average 2.1 goals per game in the
Premiership. Defensive solidity improved, conceding under one goal per match on
average. European matches tested squad depth, exposing rotation challenges.
Prior to Rangers, Clement won the Belgian Pro League with
Genk and Club Brugge. His continental experience includes Champions League
group stages. Contract runs until 2027, with an option for extension.
Upcoming Fixtures and Schedule
Rangers host Hibernian on 2 February in the Premiership. The
away trip to Celtic follows on 15 February in the league. Scottish Cup fourth
round against lower league opposition occurs mid-February.
Europa League exit frees midweek slots for recovery. Training
resumes Monday morning at Auchenhowie. Clement plans light sessions focusing on
set-pieces and attacking patterns.
The congested schedule includes five matches in 14 days
starting Sunday. Squad management becomes crucial with title aspirations.
International call-ups affect three players during the upcoming break.
Club Infrastructure and Recent Investments
Rangers invested £10 million in Ibrox upgrades over summer
2025. New floodlights and pitch heating system debuted this season. Training
ground expansions added recovery pools and gym space.
Commercial revenue hit record highs from sponsorship deals.
Kit supplier Adidas launched a new third strip selling out online. Fan zone
expansions accommodate 1,000 supporters pre-match.
Academy graduates featured in 20 first-team matches this
term. U-18 side leads the youth league by five points. Long-term planning
emphasises sustainable success across age groups.
Historical European Record
Rangers hold the Scottish record for European appearances
with 320 matches. They reached the Cup Winners' Cup final three times, winning
in 1972. Europa League final appearance came in 2022.
Ibrox hosted landmark nights against teams from Spain,
Italy, and Romania. Aggregate victories over Red Star Belgrade and PAOK mark
recent highlights. The club earned UEFA respect through consistent
qualification.
Domestic dominance includes 55 league titles, second only to
Celtic's 54. Treble achievements occurred in 1949, 1964, and 2011. Current
squad targets multiple trophies in 2026.
Player Contracts and Transfer Activity
Key players signed extensions
until 2028, including Tavernier and Goldson. January window brought a left-back
from the English Championship. Winger departed on loan to Serie A club.
Rumours link Rangers to Scandinavian striker ahead of summer
window. Wage bill aligns with UEFA financial fair play rules. Profit from
player sales funded infrastructure projects.
Youth prospects gained minutes in cup ties. Loan returns
bolstered midfield options. Depth allows Clement flexibility in selection.
Media Coverage and Broadcast Details
Match broadcast live on TNT Sports reached 1.2 million
viewers. Post-match analysis programmes featured pundits from BBC Scotland.
Newspapers dedicated front pages to the result Saturday morning.
Social media engagement hit 500,000 interactions during the
game. Club channels posted highlights garnering 2 million views. Press
conferences available on official platforms.
Rangers TV subscription base grew by 15 per cent this season. Behind-the-scenes content showcases training routines. Fan podcasts discussed tactics pre and post-match.