Rangers’ hopes of taking control of their UEFA Europa League qualifying tie suffered a huge setback on Thursday night as Derek McInnes’ side threw away an early lead to lose 2-1 against Polish outfit Jagiellonia Białystok in the first leg.

The Light Blues made the perfect start when a dangerous cross from Tuur Rommens forced an own goal inside the opening minutes, giving Rangers the dream beginning in McInnes’ first European match in charge. But what followed left supporters furious.

Kajetan Szmyt struck twice in the first half as Rangers’ defence completely fell apart, with individual errors proving costly throughout the night. Despite dominating possession after the break and seeing Findlay Curtis strike the post in stoppage time, Rangers were unable to rescue a result and now face a huge task at Ibrox next week.

Defensive collapse sparks fan fury

The defeat immediately triggered a wave of criticism across social media, with many Rangers supporters pointing the finger at two players in particular.

Centre-back Emmanuel Fernandez endured a nightmare evening. He was heavily criticised for his role in both goals, including slipping during the build-up to Jagiellonia’s winner before failing to deal with the danger inside the penalty area. Former Rangers midfielder Andy Halliday also questioned Fernandez’s defensive awareness after the match, suggesting the defender still has plenty to learn.

Meanwhile, Ross McCrorie also came under fire after a series of costly defensive mistakes, with supporters believing the experienced defender failed to provide the leadership needed during one of Rangers’ most important matches of the season.

Many frustrated fans went even further, demanding both players should be sold before the transfer window closes if Rangers are serious about competing in Europe this season.

Official player ratings

According to the official match ratings from Scottish media, Tuur Rommens was one of Rangers’ brightest performers after creating the opening goal and constantly providing an attacking threat from left-back.

At the other end of the scale, Emmanuel Fernandez received one of the lowest ratings on the pitch following a difficult evening at the heart of the defence, while Ross McCrorie’s display also ranked among Rangers’ poorest performances as the visitors struggled to cope with Jagiellonia’s quick transitions.

McInnes doesn’t hold back

After the match, Rangers boss Derek McInnes admitted his side had effectively beaten themselves.

The manager insisted that “bad habits” from last season had resurfaced and described the goals conceded as avoidable, making it clear his players must improve dramatically if they want to keep their Europa League dream alive.

Despite the disappointment, McInnes remains confident Rangers can overturn the deficit in front of a packed Ibrox crowd, where the Scottish giants will need a victory to stay in the competition.

A huge night awaits at Ibrox

The defeat also extended Rangers’ miserable run away from home in European competition and piled even more pressure on McInnes just weeks into his reign.

With Europa League qualification—and the financial rewards that come with it—hanging in the balance, the return leg has suddenly become one of Rangers’ biggest matches of the season.

If the Light Blues produce another defensive display like the one witnessed in Poland, supporters fear their European campaign could come crashing down before it has truly begun.

One thing is already clear: after Thursday night’s collapse, patience among the Rangers faithful is wearing dangerously thin, and two players have found themselves firmly in the firing line.