Short hop to Europe highlights how far Rangers have to travel
THE passports can be put away once more. Come May, Rangers will hope they have reason to look them out again.
The Ibrox side’s return to action on European soil was a fleeting, and disappointing, one yesterday but it could prove useful as they look to achieve domestic goals this term.
The teams either side of them in the Ladbrokes Premiership standings – Celtic and Aberdeen – have soaked up the Dubai sunshine during the winter break but it was to snowy Germany that Mark Warburton took his squad to get them back up to speed.
In terms of match minutes, it was job done. Rangers did not look capable of returning to Glasgow with a victory, though, as RB Leipzig ran out 4-0 winners.
The Englishman has a Europa League qualifying berth in his sights this season. If the dream is to become a reality, Rangers must continue to take strides forward in the second half of the campaign.
The next time Rangers head for the continent, they could do so having had just four weeks off during the summer if they reach a second consecutive Scottish Cup final. That would present its own challenges, but it would be a welcome headache for Warburton.
There is, of course, a lot of football to be played before that situation becomes an issue for Rangers and it is Motherwell who present the first hurdle on Saturday afternoon.
The trip to Germany was designed to give Rangers a stern test for the showdown against Mark McGhee’s side and it was a useful exercise for Warburton and his players as they emerged from cold storage.
There was still a requirement for the Rangers and their fans to wrap up, though. Around 8000 supporters left behind the Scottish winter to make the trip to a freezing Red Bull Arena.
The plummeting temperatures and flurries of snow didn’t put off either set of fans. This impressive stadium, built for the World Cup more than a decade ago, was less than half full but those in attendance made themselves heard.
The travelling support would have been keen to see the newest faces in Warburton’s squad in action and Jon Toral was pitched in from the start and given his first 45 minutes.
The Rangers manager kept faith with the back three of Clint Hill, Rob Kiernan and Danny Wilson as James Tavernier and Barrie McKay again occupied the wide berths.
Toral started in midfield alongside Andy Halliday and Jason Holt, while Josh Windass played just off Kenny Miller as Emerson Hyndman had to settle for a seat on the bench.
Warburton enthused about the quality of Toral before the trip to Saxony and the Spaniard showed some nice touches in the middle of the park before he was denied a debut goal late in the first half after a tight offside call. It was one of the few occasions when Rangers were able to make their presence felt in the final third.
Rangers would head for the warmth of the away dressing room two goals behind at the break and there could be no complaints about the scoreline at that stage after an impressive first-half showing from Leipzig.
Ralph Hasenhuettl’s side will return from their own winter shutdown aiming to pick up where they left off after a superb start to the campaign. Die Bullen are second in the Bundesliga standings and just three points adrift of Bayern Munich as they look to launch an unlikely bid for their first top-flight title.
For Scotland’s Oliver Burke, it could prove to be a dream season. The winger was handed a start here and will hope to build on a mixed first few months on the continent.
The class of the German outfit was clear and it was no surprise when they took the lead after 21 minutes. A Marcel Sabitzer pass split the Rangers defence and sent Timo Werner clear.
The striker rounded goalkeeper Wes Foderingham and Wilson was unable to keep the ball out of the net as he made a desperate lunge on the line.
The Leipzig forward line was slick and Rangers found themselves pegged back for long spells. They could only resist for so long.
With two minutes left of the first half, the hosts doubled their advantage. Werner was again involved and he turned provider to send Burke clear and the 19-year-old made no mistake with a clinical finish into the far corner.
The interval gave Rangers a chance to regroup and Warburton turned to his bench as Matt Gilks, Lee Hodson, Martyn Waghorn and Hyndman got their chance to impress.
Rangers were still unable to match their hosts, though, and it didn’t take long for Leipzig to put the result beyond any doubt. It was another incisive attacking move, Naby Keita combining with Werner before Yussuf Poulsen converted as Rangers’ defensive weaknesses were exposed once again.
The next round of changes brought the introductions of Philippe Senderos, Har ry For r e st er and Michael O’Halloran to the action. Once again, there was no immediate reaction from Rangers.
And, with 10 minutes remaining, Leipzig completed the scoring as Poulsen slotted home from close range.
The trip was a welcome one for Rangers and their supporters. Now Warburton’s side must prove it has been put to good use.