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There was admirable efficiency about the way Roma handled this journey to Glasgow. Minimum of fuss. Roma from Rome did, however, meet favourable opposition when putting their European competition bid on the right path. Observers noted a glaring gulf in quality between Roma and a Rangers squad that has now lost a club record seven continental matches in a row.

Positively, Rangers at least fought hard during a second half when surrender felt the more likely option. Yet, the match was decided as a contest by then. Rangers remain anchored at the bottom of the Europa League, which should represent an embarrassment to a club of this standing. The Giallorossi have ambitions again on making proper impact. Their only regret in this match was in not producing a result appropriately depicting men against boys.

Surprisingly, this marked only Roma’s second-ever continental encounter with a team from Scotland since Fairs Cup fixtures with Hibernian in 1961. Their last such match, against the Terrors 23 years later, became overshadowed (to put it mildly) by the bribing of a match official. In those days, Scottish clubs could compete with the best in Europe. The current campaign has seen the UEFA coefficient drop to a point that will shortly have huge ramifications.

The new manager’s main quality up to now as the Rangers support are see it is that he isn’t his predecessor. Martin’s dismal spell as the head coach lasted 123 days in the early part of the campaign. The German coach, the recent appointment at the helm, has displayed potential though within a limited timeframe. The dugouts witnessed a clash of generations; the Rangers boss is thirty-six, his opposite number Gian Piero Gasperini is 67.

Another element was far more striking as the sides lined up. The home team’s glaring lack of height against the visitors looked ominous. This point was confirmed within 13 minutes as Bryan Cristante comfortably flicked on a set-piece at the front post. Following up, the Argentine winger burst forward to knock his team ahead. A Roma team minus the unavailable Evan Ferguson and their star attacker, who have been questioned for bluntness despite decent results in the tournament, were delighted with their early advantage.

The Ibrox side could have levelled matters instantly. Instead, Youssef Chermiti sent his effort off target after a defensive error in the visitors’ backline. The player’s £8m signing from the Toffees has increased scrutiny of the Rangers transfer hierarchy. Chermiti possesses at least the physical attributes to be an effective centre forward but seems unwilling or unable to use them.

The Italian outfit dominated first-half possession thereafter. They extended their advantage through their captain, whose curling shot into the bottom corner of the goalkeeper’s net arrived after a lay off from the Ukrainian forward. Rangers will bemoan the fact Pellegrini stood in complete freedom but it was a superb finish. Ibrox, usually a boisterous place on continental evenings, had been quietened with time still remaining before the break. The discontent which met the half-time whistle were timid; Rangers were clearly in the process of being outclassed.

After the break began against a unusual backdrop. Supporters turned their attentions for the latest time towards the top executive, the CEO, and sporting director, Kevin Thelwell. A pair of displays, obviously sinister in message, depicted the duo with bullseyes on their images. One wonders what the Rangers chairman thinks about all this. Ultimately, Andrew Cavenagh enjoyed an low-profile career as a wealthy entrepreneur in the United States before leading a takeover of this club. Paying punters have not turned on the owner so far but there is a mutinous feeling around the club. This is easy to understand; The team’s leadership is wholly unimpressive.

As if scripted, Chermiti was played in on the keeper on the 60-minute mark and hit the outside of the goal. That moment sparked the home side’s finest spell of the game, in which their replacement Thelo Aasgaard fired just wide. Yet, however, difficult to determine Roma’s continued offensive intent until the full-back was given a opportunity from close range which he somehow lifted and onto the bottom of the crossbar.

That opportunity as far as meaningful chances were involved. The raft of substitutions from both teams resulted in this game closed more in the fashion of a pre-season friendly than serious contest. That scenario benefited the Italians perfectly. There was cause to ponder how on earth Rangers, finalists in this competition in recently and strong enough of the quarter-finals a last year, reached the point of just participating.