Rangers Lose 3-1 to Club Brugge in Champions League Play-Off First Leg

Rangers suffered a heavy 3-1 defeat to Club Brugge in the first leg of their Champions League play-off, falling behind 3-0 within the opening 20 minutes due to defensive lapses. Despite the poor start and boos from the home crowd, manager Russell Martin praised his team's improved second-half performance and emphasized that the tie was not over. Martin acknowledged the fans' frustration but urged unity, stressing that the club must come together and that the "precursor to change is pain." He expressed pride in the players' fight in the second half and highlighted the necessity of fan support moving forward. The defeat exposed Rangers' defensive vulnerabilities, but the consolation goal by Danilo offered some hope ahead of the return leg in Belgium. Martin remains optimistic about the future, calling for collective growth among players, staff, and supporters.