When Rangers traveled to face Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 play‑off, few could have imagined a 9‑1 aggregate disaster. The first leg unfolded on 19 August 2025 at Ibrox, where Russell Martin, Rangers’ head coach, watched his side fall 3‑1 after Jack Butland was beaten three times. The return match on 27 August 2025 in Belgium turned into a nightmare as Max Aarons saw a straight red in the opening ten minutes and the Belgian visitors ripped open the defense, eventually winning 6‑0. The aggregate scoreline now sits as one of the heaviest defeats in Rangers’ European history, putting Russell Martin under unprecedented pressure ahead of the Old Firm derby.
Background: How the tie was set up
Rangers entered the 2025/26 Champions League qualifiers after finishing second in the Scottish Premiership last season. Their path to the play‑off round began with a gritty showdown against Czech side Viktoria Plzeň. A 2‑1 home win followed by a 1‑1 draw in the Czech Republic saw them through, albeit barely. Meanwhile, Club Brugge cruised past RB Salzburg, winning 4‑0 at home and 2‑1 away, signaling a squad that blended experience with a new wave of talent.
First leg at Ibrox: A shaky start
The atmosphere at Ibrox on 19 August was electric; over 50,000 fans sang the anthem as Nicolo Tresoldi opened the scoring for the Belgians in the 23rd minute. Rangers responded through a header from Hans Vanaken, but a lapse in concentration allowed Tresoldi to double his tally before half‑time. Aleksandar Stankovic added a late goal, sealing a 3‑1 defeat that left Martin’s side facing a steep climb.
Second leg in Belgium: The floodgates open
Traveling to the Jan Breydel Stadium, Rangers hoped to ignite a comeback. Instead, chaos erupted within the first ten minutes when Max Aarons received a straight red for a reckless challenge. Down to ten men, the Scottish side barely registered a single shot on target all match. Club Brugge’s attack was relentless: Joaquin Seys struck twice, Vanaken added another, and Stankovic capped the half‑time blitz at 5‑0. Early in the second half, Christos Tzolis, who had come on as a substitute, netted the sixth goal, sealing a 6‑0 victory.
Responses from the clubs and fans
Club Brugge’s manager, Philippe Clement, praised his squad’s professionalism, noting, “We played the game we wanted and showed why we belong in the group stage.” In contrast, Martin’s pre‑match rallying cry of “real courage” was mocked on social media as the Rangers fans expressed disbelief. Veteran striker James Tavernier admitted, “We were flat‑footed, and that red card gave them a free ride.” The Scottish press called the loss “catastrophic,” and a petition demanding Martin’s dismissal collected over 12,000 signatures within 48 hours.
Impact on the Scottish football landscape
The timing of the defeat could not have been worse. Celtic, Rangers’ arch‑rival, suffered a similar early‑round exit the night before, leaving both Glasgow giants without Champions League revenue. Financial analysts at Bloomberg estimate that Rangers could lose up to £15 million in broadcasting and match‑day earnings, potentially affecting their winter transfer budget. Moreover, the psychological blow may influence the upcoming Old Firm derby, where a demoralised Rangers squad faces a Celtic side eager to capitalize.
What’s next for Rangers?
Having been dumped into the Europa League, Rangers now face a grueling group stage beginning in September. The club’s board has hinted at an emergency meeting to reassess the coaching staff. Rumours link former Celtic assistant manager John Kennedy as a possible replacement, though Martin has publicly vowed to stay if given the chance. Players such as Alfie Whiteman will need to rediscover confidence quickly, or the club risks a season of mediocrity.
Historical context: Rangers in Europe
Rangers have a storied European pedigree, reaching the 1972 Cup Winners’ Cup final and the 2008 UEFA Cup final. However, since the 2015 financial crisis, the club’s continental fortunes have waned. The 9‑1 aggregate loss rivals the 1999 8‑0 drubbing by Bayern Munich, marking a low point that could reshape the club’s strategic direction.
Key facts
- First‑leg score: Club Brugge 3‑1 Rangers (19 Aug 2025, Ibrox)
- Second‑leg score: Club Brugge 6‑0 Rangers (27 Aug 2025, Belgium)
- Aggregate: 9‑1 in favour of Club Brugge
- Red cards: Max Aarons (Rangers) – 10th minute, second leg
- Goal scorers for Club Brugge: Nicolo Tresoldi, Hans Vanaken, Aleksandar Stankovic, Joaquin Seys (2), Christos Tzolis
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this defeat affect Rangers' European campaign?
The loss drops Rangers into the Europa League group stage, meaning fewer TV revenues and a tougher route to the knockout phase. Their chances of reaching the lucrative Champions League group stage next season are now significantly reduced.
What prompted the red card for Max Aarons?
Aarons was sent off for a reckless sliding tackle on Club Brugge’s forward in the 9th minute, a decision that the referee deemed a straight red after a VAR review.
Who scored for Club Brugge across the two legs?
Nicolo Tresoldi opened the scoring, followed by Hans Vanaken, Aleksandar Stankovic, Joaquin Seys (who netted twice), and Christos Tzolis added the final goal.
What are the financial implications for Rangers?
Analysts estimate a loss of around £15 million in broadcasting rights, prize money, and match‑day revenue, potentially limiting the club’s ability to invest in new signings during the winter transfer window.
Will Russell Martin keep his job?
The board has not made a final decision, but pressure is mounting. Martin has publicly pledged to stay, yet a sizeable fan petition and media scrutiny suggest a review of his position is imminent.
