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There was admirable efficiency about the way Roma dealt with this trip to Glasgow. Minimum of fuss. The team from Rome did, however, meet favourable opposition when putting their Europa League bid on the right path. Observers noted a glaring gulf in quality between the Serie A outfit and a the Scottish team squad that has now lost a club record seven European games consecutively.

Positively, the home side at least huffed and puffed during a second half when surrender felt the more likely option. Yet, the match was settled as a contest by then. Rangers remain rooted to the bottom of the tournament, which should represent an embarrassment to a club of such stature. The Giallorossi have eyes once more on achieving significant success. Their only regret in this match was in not producing a scoreline appropriately depicting the mismatch in quality.

Surprisingly, this marked only Roma’s second continental encounter with a team from Scotland since the historic Fairs Cup fixtures with Hibs in the early 60s. The previous one, against Dundee United over two decades later, became marred (to put it politely) by the bribing of a referee. In those days, Scottish clubs could compete with the top sides in the continent. This season has seen the co-efficient drop to a level that will shortly have huge consequences.

The new manager’s main quality so far as the fanbase are see it is that he isn’t Russell Martin. Martin’s ghastly spell as the manager lasted just over four months in the early part of the campaign. Röhl, the new man at the helm, has shown promise though within a limited timeframe. The technical areas witnessed a generation game; Röhl is 36, his counterpart the Roma manager is 67.

A further factor was far more striking as the teams lined up. The home team’s obvious short stature against the Italians looked worrying. That concern was confirmed within the opening quarter-hour as Bryan Cristante comfortably flicked on a corner at the near post. At the back, the Argentine winger burst forward to knock his team ahead. A Roma team without the unavailable Evan Ferguson and Paulo Dybala, who have been questioned for bluntness despite decent performances in the tournament, were pleased with their quick lead.

Rangers could have equalised immediately. Rather, Youssef Chermiti sent his effort off target after a mix-up in the visitors’ backline. Chermiti’s £8m purchase from Everton has piled pressure on the Rangers transfer hierarchy. He has at least the physical attributes to be an effective striker but appears unwilling or unable to utilize them fully.

The Italian outfit dominated first-half the ball from that point. Roma doubled their lead through Lorenzo Pellegrini, whose bent effort into the bottom corner of Jack Butland’s net arrived after a pass from the Ukrainian forward. Rangers will lament the fact the midfielder stood in complete freedom but it was a gorgeous finish. Ibrox, typically a boisterous venue on continental evenings, had been quietened with time still remaining before the break. Even the boos which met the interval were timid; Rangers were clearly in the process of being outclassed.

The second period began against a unusual atmosphere. Supporters directed their focus for the latest time towards the club’s chief executive, Patrick Stewart, and sporting director, Kevin Thelwell. A pair of displays, obviously sinister in tone, showed the duo with bullseyes on their images. It raises questions what the club owner makes of the situation. Ultimately, the chairman enjoyed an anonymous life as a wealthy entrepreneur in the US before fronting a takeover of this club. Fans have not targeted the owner yet but there is a rebellious mood in the air. This is unsurprising; Rangers’ leadership is completely unimpressive.

Right on cue, the striker was sent through on goal on the 60-minute mark and hit the side netting. This actually triggered Rangers’ best period of the match, in which their replacement Thelo Aasgaard shot narrowly past the post. Yet, nonetheless, hard to determine Roma’s remaining offensive intent until Zeki Celik was presented with a chance all of a yard out which he inexplicably hit up and onto the underside of the bar.

That was it as far as meaningful opportunity were involved. The raft of changes from both teams meant this fixture ended more in the fashion of a pre-season friendly than competitive match. That scenario benefited the Italians fine. There was cause to consider how on earth Rangers, runners-up in this competition in recently and strong enough of the quarter-finals a season ago, reached the point of just participating.