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Roma displayed impressive effectiveness in the way the Italian side dealt with this journey to Scotland. Minimum of fuss. Roma from Rome did, nonetheless, meet favourable opposition when putting their European competition bid on the right path. Observers noted a obvious gulf in quality between Roma and a the Scottish team squad that has now suffered defeat in a team record seven continental matches consecutively.

Positively, Rangers at least fought hard during a second half when surrender felt the more likely option. Yet, the match was decided as a competition by then. Rangers remain anchored at the foot of the Europa League, which should constitute an disgrace to a team of this standing. The Giallorossi have ambitions once more on achieving significant success. One slight disappointment here was in not producing a result that truly reflected men against boys.

Surprisingly, this marked only the Roman club’s second-ever continental encounter with a team from Scotland since the historic Fairs Cup fixtures with Hibs in the early 60s. Their last such match, against the Terrors over two decades later, became overshadowed (to put it mildly) by the bribing of a match official. In those days, Scottish clubs could vie with the top sides in the continent. This season has seen the co-efficient plunge to a level that will soon have major consequences.

The new manager’s main quality so far as the Rangers support are see it is that he isn’t his predecessor. The latter’s dismal spell as the manager lasted 123 days in the early part of this season. The German coach, the new man at the helm, has displayed potential though within a tiny sample size. The dugouts witnessed a clash of generations; Röhl is 36, his counterpart Gian Piero Gasperini is 67.

A further factor was much more noticeable as the sides lined up. The home team’s glaring lack of height against the visitors looked ominous. That concern was proven within 13 minutes as the Roma midfielder easily flicked on a set-piece at the near post. Following up, Matías Soulé burst forward to fire his team ahead. A Roma team without the injured their young striker and their star attacker, who have been questioned for lack of cutting edge even with decent results in the tournament, were delighted with their early advantage.

Rangers should have levelled matters instantly. Instead, Youssef Chermiti sent his effort off target after a defensive error in the visitors’ backline. The player’s eight-million-pound purchase from the Toffees has increased scrutiny of the Rangers transfer hierarchy. He has at least the physical attributes to be an productive centre forward but seems reluctant or incapable to utilize them fully.

The Italian outfit controlled first-half possession from that point. Roma extended their advantage through Lorenzo Pellegrini, whose curling shot into the far post of Jack Butland’s net arrived after a pass from Artem Dovbyk. The hosts will bemoan the fact the midfielder stood in complete freedom but it was a gorgeous finish. Ibrox, usually a raucous venue on continental evenings, had been quietened nine minutes before the break. Even the boos which greeted the interval were timid; the home team were simply in the midst of being overwhelmed.

After the break began against a unusual atmosphere. Those Rangers fans directed their focus for the latest time towards the top executive, Patrick Stewart, and sporting director, Kevin Thelwell. Two banners, obviously menacing in tone, depicted the pair with bullseyes on their faces. It raises questions what the Rangers chairman makes of the situation. Ultimately, the chairman had an anonymous career as a wealthy entrepreneur in the US before leading a acquisition of Rangers. Paying punters have not targeted the owner so far but there is a mutinous mood around the club. This is easy to understand; The team’s management is wholly unimpressive.

As if scripted, Chermiti was sent through on the keeper on the hour mark and hit the side netting. This actually triggered Rangers’ finest spell of the game, in which their replacement the young midfielder shot narrowly past the post. Yet, however, difficult to determine Roma’s remaining attacking motivation until the full-back was presented with a opportunity all of a yard out which he somehow hit up and on to the bottom of the crossbar.

That was it as far as meaningful chances were concerned. The series of changes from each side resulted in this fixture ended more in the style of a summer exhibition than competitive match. That scenario benefited Roma perfectly. It prompted reflection to ponder how on earth Rangers, finalists in this competition in recently and strong enough of the last eight a season ago, reached the stage of just participating.