Russell Martin believes Rangers can nonetheless attain the league section of the Champions League regardless of an “anxious” show of their 3-1 first-leg defeat to Membership Brugge.
Rangers are on the point of a humiliating early exit from Europe’s top-tier competitors after conceding three targets within the first 20 minutes of their play-off tie.
Christos Tzolis starred for the Belgian aspect at Ibrox, offering assists for Romeo Vermant and Jorne Spileers within the third and seventh minutes respectively.
Defender Brandon Michele then added a 3rd for Brugge, firing house from the sting of the field to present Jack Butland no probability and immediate loud jeers from the house followers.
Rangers recuperated on the break and bought on the scoresheet 5 minutes into the second half by way of Danilo, whereas additionally they had a possible second aim from Djeidi Gassama disallowed as a result of a foul within the build-up.
Regardless of the 3-1 deficit, Martin insists his aspect nonetheless have each probability of progressing forward of subsequent week’s return fixture in Belgium.
“I’m actually pleased with the second half, the sport is just not over, the tie is just not over,” Martin instructed Amazon Prime.
Full-Time: Rangers 1-3 Membership Brugge#UCL pic.twitter.com/VqyiPNojt7
— Rangers Soccer Membership (@RangersFC) August 19, 2025
“The vitality was utterly totally different within the second half and I’m actually pleased with them for that as a result of it wasn’t straightforward. That’s the toughest a variety of these gamers are going to face.
“You’ll be able to’t affect it from the sidelines. You place a gameplan in place to attempt to win the sport, however the decision-making modifications as a result of we’re so anxious.
“We have been far too open, that wasn’t the gameplan. Within the second half, we didn’t change very a lot however we have been way more aggressive and appeared a risk. The gamers ran actually arduous for one another and I’m pleased with them for that.”
Having additionally began the Scottish Premiership season with back-to-back attracts in opposition to Motherwell and Dundee, Rangers have been handled to extra boos on the full-time whistle.
Martin didn’t criticise the house followers for his or her actions, however he believes they are going to be an essential issue for his aspect going ahead.
“The followers are all entitled to their opinions however we’re going to want them a lot,” Martin added.
“This membership has had an extended interval, bar one season, the place it hasn’t been as profitable because it desires to be, so we have to come collectively.
“The group goes to want the followers. The precursor to vary is ache. I knew, coming right here, there was going to be some ache early on. We want to verify the ache is value it.
“We’ll develop collectively by way of this, however we have now to develop collectively as a membership. We have to give supporters extra moments like we did within the second half. The followers are a very powerful individuals within the membership.
“We need to qualify for the Champions League and we’ll do every part we will subsequent week.”