Rangers Earn Draw in First Pre-Season Match Under New Manager

Despite an early setback, Rangers displayed resilience in their opening pre-season friendly, finishing with a 2-2 draw against Club Brugge. The match reflected both areas for improvement and promising signs as the team begins preparations for the upcoming European qualifiers.

Brugge took an early lead within the first 10 minutes, capitalizing on a mistake from Robin Propper, who was dispossessed near the halfway line. Hugo Vetlesen scored on the rebound after Liam Kelly saved his initial shot. Just four minutes later, Ludovit Reis fashioned a spectacular volley from outside the box, doubling Brugge’s advantage and prompting applause from sections of the crowd, although the overall mood was subdued.

Rangers responded strongly after the break. Substitute Mohamed Diomande reduced the deficit with a low shot in the 51st minute, igniting their fightback. The team pressed higher up the pitch and created numerous chances, coming close on multiple occasions, including efforts from Diomande and Danilo.

The equalizer arrived in the final moments, when 18-year-old Findlay Curtis, who played the full 90 minutes, scored from close range after a pass from Nedim Bajrami. The crowd celebrated the effort, capping a spirited second-half display.

In the first half, some players struggled to adapt to the new system, notably Robin Propper, whose lack of pace and distribution issues made him ill-suited for the high line manager Russell Martin aims to implement. Propper was replaced at halftime by James Tavernier, with several other squad rotations during the break as Martin tests different combinations ahead of the Champions League qualifier in two weeks.

The match underscored the areas needing improvement, but also the potential within the squad, especially given their resilience and attacking intent in the second half. Rangers now look ahead to further training and squad integration, with a focus on preparing for the critical upcoming fixture against Panathinaikos.