Rangers suffered a setback in their Europa League campaign, conceding an early lead to lose 2-1 against Jagiellonia Bialystok in Poland. The match marked Derek McInnes’ first European tie as the Gers’ head coach and began positively when home defender Guilherme Montoia redirected a Tuur Rommens cross into his own net just four minutes in.

Advertisement

However, the early advantage was swiftly diminished. Kajetan Szmyt equalized in the 13th minute with a preventable goal that unsettled the Light Blues, and he struck again eight minutes later due to more defensive errors from the visitors.

In response, McInnes substituted Cammy Devlin, Nico Raskin, and Findlay Curtis at the start of the second half. While Rangers enjoyed superior possession, they struggled to equalize, with Curtis hitting the post during added time. The team now faces the challenge of overturning the deficit at Ibrox next week.

Daisuke Yokota, the winger signed from Hannover, debuted during the match and made a few contributions before the early own goal provided a brief sense of hope.

Left-back Rommens combined with midfielder Mohamed Diomande, whose delivery into the box was initially missed by striker Youssef Chermiti. Unfortunately for Montoia, he was unable to adjust in time, allowing the ball to bounce off him and roll over the line.

Advertisement

In the 10th minute, Chermiti tested Jagiellonia keeper Slawomir Abramowicz with a long-range shot, indicating a positive start for the Govan side.

However, they lost their lead when Szmyt, from the edge of the box, expertly curled a shot that found its way in at the far post without much immediate threat.

Defensive issues compounded Rangers’ woes as midfielder Thelo Aasgaard’s flick was intercepted, leading to a quick counter by Jagiellonia. Nik Prelec’s cross slipped through to Jesús Imaz, whose parried shot was capitalized on by Szmyt for his second goal.

In the 37th minute, further defensive lapses saw Dujon Sterling give away possession, allowing Rodrigo Conceicao to break free. Conceicao, however, misfired, striking against the side-netting while other players were in position for a potential goal. Prelec’s subsequent attempt was saved by keeper Ivor Pandur, who also thwarted Norbert Wojtuszek just before halftime.

Advertisement

Following the break, McInnes made three changes, introducing Devlin, Raskin, and Curtis for Dan Neil, Tochi Chukwuani, and Yokota, which shifted the momentum in Rangers’ favor.

Devlin nearly equalized in the 59th minute after receiving a pass from Diomande but was crowded out. Moments later, Curtis came close, knocking a delivery from Raskin just inches wide.

Rangers continued to apply pressure, with a Devlin shot from outside the box tactically saved over by Abramowicz. A corner followed but proved ineffective, and at the 68th minute, Imaz missed another opportunity for Jagiellonia from 12 yards.

Abramowicz denied Curtis again, who volleyed a shot that struck the post amidst a barrage of near misses, but the Scottish side will need to find their rhythm as they prepare for the second leg next week in Govan.