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Roma displayed admirable efficiency about the way Roma dealt with this journey to Scotland. Without much drama. Roma from Italy’s capital did, however, meet favourable opposition when putting their European competition bid on the right path. There was a glaring gulf in quality between Roma and a Rangers side that has now lost a team record seven continental matches consecutively.

Positively, the home side at least huffed and puffed during a later period when capitulation felt the probable outcome. Yet, the match was decided as a competition by then. Rangers remain anchored at the foot of the Europa League, which should represent an embarrassment to a club of such stature. The Giallorossi have eyes once more on making proper impact. One slight disappointment here was in not producing a result appropriately depicting the mismatch in quality.

Amazingly, this marked only Roma’s second continental encounter with a team from Scotland since the historic Fairs Cup business with Hibernian in the early 60s. Their last such match, against Dundee United over two decades later, became overshadowed (to put it mildly) by the bribing of a referee. In those days, teams from Scotland could compete with the best in the continent. This season has seen the co-efficient plunge to a point that will soon have huge ramifications.

The new manager’s main quality up to now as the fanbase are concerned is that he isn’t his predecessor. The latter’s dismal spell as the manager lasted just over four months in the initial phase of this season. The German coach, the recent appointment at the helm, has shown promise though within a limited timeframe. The dugouts saw a generation game; Röhl is 36, his counterpart Gian Piero Gasperini is sixty-seven.

A further factor was much more noticeable as the sides lined up. Rangers’ obvious lack of height against the Italians looked ominous. This point was proven within 13 minutes as the Roma midfielder comfortably flicked on a corner at the front post. Following up, the Argentine winger burst forward to fire Roma in front. A Roma team minus the unavailable Evan Ferguson and their star attacker, who have been criticised for lack of cutting edge despite decent performances in this campaign, were delighted with their quick lead.

Rangers could have levelled matters instantly. Rather, the forward screwed his shot wide after a defensive error in the visitors’ backline. The player’s eight-million-pound purchase from Everton has piled pressure on the club’s recruitment team. He has at least the physique to be an productive centre forward but seems reluctant or incapable to use them.

Roma dominated opening period the ball thereafter. They doubled their lead through Lorenzo Pellegrini, whose curling shot into the bottom corner of Jack Butland’s net arrived after a pass from Artem Dovbyk. Rangers will bemoan the fact the midfielder stood in blissful isolation but it was a gorgeous finish. The stadium, typically a raucous venue on continental evenings, had been quietened nine minutes before the break. Even the boos which greeted the half-time whistle were subdued; Rangers were simply in the process of being outclassed.

The second period started against a unusual backdrop. Supporters directed their focus for the latest time towards the top executive, the CEO, and sporting director, Kevin Thelwell. A pair of displays, obviously sinister in message, showed the pair with bullseyes on their images. It raises questions what the club owner thinks about the situation. After all, the chairman had an low-profile career as a wealthy entrepreneur in the United States before fronting a acquisition of this club. Fans have not turned on the owner so far but there is a rebellious mood around the club. This is unsurprising; Rangers’ management is wholly unconvincing.

Right on cue, the striker was sent through on goal on the hour mark and hit the outside of the goal. That moment sparked Rangers’ finest spell of the game, in which their replacement the young midfielder shot narrowly past the post. Yet, however, hard to gauge the visitors’ continued attacking motivation until the full-back was given a opportunity from close range which he inexplicably lifted and on to the underside of the crossbar.

That opportunity as far as meaningful chances were involved. The series of changes from each side meant this fixture ended more in the fashion of a summer exhibition than competitive match. This of course suited the Italians perfectly. It prompted reflection to consider how exactly Rangers, finalists in this competition in 2022 and strong enough of the quarter-finals a season ago, arrived at the point of making up the numbers.