Rangers fell to a 2-1 defeat against Jagiellonia Bialystok in their Europa League qualifier, a result marked by recurring defensive issues and individual errors.
Despite an early own goal from Guilherme Montoia in the 4th minute, which stemmed from a cross by Tuur Rommens, Rangers were unable to maintain their advantage. The Polish side equalized in the 21st minute when Kajetan Szmyt found the net. This goal came after a defensive lapse involving Manny Fernandez, who misjudged a cross, inadvertently directing the ball into his own net.
Fernandez was again at fault for Jagiellonia's second goal just minutes later. A run and cross from Nik Prelec went unchecked, and Fernandez slipped while attempting to defend, allowing the ball to reach Jesus Imaz. Although Ivor Pandur saved the initial effort, Szmyt converted the rebound.
Manager Derek McInnes made five changes from the previous match, including a debut for winger Daisuke Yokota. Yuki Kobayashi, a former Celtic player, was noted for his strong performance for the home side. In midfield, Dan Neil and Tochi Chukwuani were brought in, with Youssef Chermiti leading the attack.
Rangers introduced Nico Raskin, Cammy Devlin, and Findlay Curtis at halftime, which appeared to lift the team's performance. Devlin created a chance for Thelo Aasgaard, and Curtis also had opportunities, including a late volley that struck the post. However, these efforts were insufficient to alter the outcome.
McInnes had previously expressed concern over the team's defensive performance in their league match. The match was attended by 1,027 Rangers supporters in Poland. The return leg is scheduled for next week, with Rangers needing to overturn the deficit to advance.