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Roma displayed admirable efficiency in the way the Italian side handled this journey to Glasgow. Minimum of fuss. Roma from Rome did, however, face manageable rivals when putting their Europa League bid on the right path. Observers noted a obvious gulf in quality between the Serie A outfit and a the Scottish team squad that has now suffered defeat in a club record seven European games in a row.

To their credit, Rangers at least fought hard during a later period when capitulation felt the more likely option. However, the game was settled as a contest at that stage. The Scottish club remain rooted to the foot of the tournament, which should represent an disgrace to a club of this standing. Roma have eyes again on making proper impact. One slight disappointment here was in not delivering a scoreline that truly reflected men against boys.

Surprisingly, this marked only Roma’s second-ever continental encounter with a team from Scotland since the historic Fairs Cup business with Hibs in 1961. The previous one, against the Terrors over two decades later, became marred (to put it politely) by the corruption of a match official. In those days, Scottish clubs could compete with the best in Europe. This season has seen the UEFA coefficient plunge to a level that will soon have major ramifications.

Danny Röhl’s main quality so far as the fanbase are concerned is that he isn’t his predecessor. Martin’s ghastly tenure as the head coach lasted just over four months in the initial phase of the campaign. Röhl, the new man at the helm, has shown promise though within a limited timeframe. The technical areas saw a clash of generations; the Rangers boss is thirty-six, his counterpart the Roma manager is 67.

Another element was far more striking as the teams lined up. Rangers’ glaring short stature against the visitors looked ominous. This point was proven within 13 minutes as Bryan Cristante comfortably flicked on a corner at the front post. Following up, Matías Soulé sprinted into space to knock Roma in front. The visitors without the unavailable Evan Ferguson and Paulo Dybala, who have been questioned for bluntness even with reasonable results in the tournament, were delighted with their quick lead.

Rangers should have levelled matters instantly. Instead, the forward screwed his shot wide after a mix-up in the visitors’ backline. Chermiti’s eight-million-pound purchase from the Toffees has piled pressure on the Rangers transfer hierarchy. He has at least the physical attributes to be an productive striker but appears unwilling or unable to utilize them fully.

The Italian outfit controlled opening period possession from that point. They extended their advantage through Lorenzo Pellegrini, whose curling shot into the bottom corner of the goalkeeper’s net came after a lay off from the Ukrainian forward. Rangers will lament the fact Pellegrini stood in complete freedom but it was a gorgeous strike. Ibrox, usually a boisterous place on continental evenings, had been quietened nine minutes until halftime. Even the boos which met the half-time whistle were subdued; the home team were simply in the process of being outclassed.

The second period began against a curious atmosphere. Supporters turned their attentions for the latest time towards the top executive, Patrick Stewart, and transfer chief, Kevin Thelwell. A pair of displays, clearly menacing in tone, showed the duo with bullseyes on their faces. It raises questions what the Rangers chairman makes of all this. Ultimately, the chairman enjoyed an anonymous career as a successful businessman in the US before fronting a takeover of this club. Paying punters have not targeted Cavenagh so far but there is a mutinous mood around the club. It is one which is easy to understand; The team’s leadership is wholly unimpressive.

Right on cue, the striker was sent through on the keeper on the hour mark and hit the side netting. That moment sparked the home side’s best period of the game, in which their replacement Thelo Aasgaard fired just wide. Yet, however, difficult to gauge Roma’s continued attacking motivation until Zeki Celik was given a opportunity from close range which he somehow lifted and onto the underside of the crossbar.

That was it as far as clear-cut opportunity were involved. The raft of changes from both teams resulted in this game closed more in the style of a summer exhibition than serious contest. That scenario benefited Roma fine. There was cause to ponder how on earth the Glasgow club, runners-up in this competition in recently and worthy of the last eight a last year, arrived at the stage of making up the numbers.