Rangers were responsible for finding a way through Jablonec’s defence, but they made the task look remarkably difficult. After a long and laborious struggle, a rare passage of fluent play finally allowed Ryan Naderi to score the decisive goal.
There were still some encouraging signs: a one-goal advantage ahead of next week’s trip to Jablonec, a clean sheet, energetic displays from Djeidi Gassama and James Penrice, composed defending by Olwethu Makhanya, and further progress from Naderi. Unlike at half-time, the final whistle was not greeted by boos.
Nevertheless, it was an uncomfortable match to watch. Rangers showed little movement, imagination or spark during the opening half. Their defenders repeatedly searched for a forward pass, only to find stationary team-mates closely covered by opponents.
Emmanuel Fernandez endured another challenging evening, although his frustration was understandable at times.
He tried to move the ball forward and play positively, but the lack of available options often forced him to pass backwards, prompting disapproving reactions. When he attempted a more ambitious delivery that failed to reach a team-mate, the crowd responded with further anger.
At one stage, he waved an arm in apparent frustration at the shortage of forward runs being made ahead of him.
McInnes spent much of the match pacing restlessly around his technical area as he searched for solutions. The team’s lack of creativity may leave him considering whether additional coaching support and fresh tactical ideas are required.
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