Derek McInnes’s early spell in charge of Rangers has descended into turmoil after his team were eliminated from the Europa League qualifiers by Jagiellonia Bialystok, losing 3-2 on aggregate following a 1-1 draw at Ibrox.
Rangers entered the match trailing 2-1 after last week’s first leg in Poland, but hopes of a comeback grew when captain Lawrence Shankland converted a penalty in the 19th minute to level the aggregate score.
The visitors responded in the 65th minute, however, when Nik Prelec scored a deserved equaliser. Despite several tactical and personnel changes, the disorganised hosts were unable to regain control, and frustrated supporters loudly expressed their displeasure at the final whistle following a poor start to the campaign.
McInnes remains without a victory in four competitive fixtures since leaving Hearts during the summer. Rangers will now meet Czech side Jablonec in the Conference League playoff round.
Hearts, meanwhile, produced a respectable performance in a 1-1 draw against Benfica, although they were also eliminated from the Europa League.
Tomas Magnusson raised hopes of a memorable home victory by scoring the opening goal in the 77th minute. Benfica, already firmly in control after winning the first leg 6-1, replied less than a minute later through Dodi Lukébakio to complete a 7-2 aggregate success.
Despite the result, Wouter Vrancken’s team delivered a promising display against opponents who made seven changes to their starting lineup from the opening leg.
Hearts will continue their European campaign in the Conference League playoffs, where they are scheduled to meet Austrian club Rapid Vienna.
David Gray praised his Hibernian squad for a remarkable effort after they completed a 2-1 aggregate win over Shkendija, earning a Conference League playoff tie against Belgian side Gent. The teams drew 0-0 in a closely fought second leg played in intense heat at the Todor Proeski National Arena, with the Hibernian players using ice buckets to cool down afterward.
Gray said he was thrilled for his players and felt it was the perfect occasion to secure their first clean sheet of the season. He stressed the significance of overcoming a strong opponent that reached the competition’s knockout phase last year.
He added that the extreme temperatures made the challenge even harder. Although the match was not especially entertaining, he praised his team’s commitment, determination and willingness to make sacrifices.
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