Rangers' European campaign came to a premature and painful end on Thursday night as they were eliminated from the Uefa Conference League play-offs by Czech side Jablonec, losing 4-3 on penalties after the tie finished level following extra time.
Derek McInnes's side had arrived in Czechia holding a 1-0 advantage from the first leg at Ibrox, but a flat and uninspired display at Stadion Strelnice saw that cushion evaporate. Jablonec midfielder Vakhtang Chanturishvili struck the equaliser on the night in the 73rd minute, driving a low shot past goalkeeper Ivor Pandur to level the aggregate score at 1-1 and force extra time.
McInnes turned to his bench in search of inspiration, introducing Lawrence Shankland, Connor Barron and Findlay Curtis, but Rangers could never wrestle control of the contest. With no further goals in the additional 30 minutes, the tie was decided from the penalty spot. Pandur did manage to deny Filip Zorvan, offering a glimmer of hope, but Curtis blazed his effort over the crossbar and James Penrice saw his attempt saved by Jablonec goalkeeper Jan Hanus. Jan Chramosta then stepped up to convert the winning kick and send the Ibrox club out of Europe.
The numbers from the match painted a damning picture of Rangers' performance. They managed just 46% possession over the 120 minutes and mustered only a single shot on target. Defensively, they won fewer than 70% of their tackles and were whistled for 17 fouls.
Speaking afterwards, an emotional McInnes did not hold back in his assessment of his team's showing.