Allan McGregor

By FOS Editor
November 2 2010

Rangers' chances of reaching the knock out stages of the Champions League took a huge knock tonight with a 0-3 defeat away to Valencia

Rangers travelled to Spain unbeaten in their first three games and were full of hope they could take something from the game.

Things started well with Steven Naismith hitting the post in the early stages before the home side took a grip of the game, and took the lead in 33 minutes through Soldado when he somehow got his effort through a group of bodies and Sasa Papac on the ground.

The second half saw Rangers on the back foot for long spells, and it was no real surprise that two more goals were shipped, with Soldado scoring again in 77 minutes and a goal in the final minute from sub, Costa. In between either of these strikes Naismith was unlucky to hit the post once again.

This was all very disappointing given Rangers recent run of results and their strong performances in three games to date. Although it was fair to say Allan McGregor was one of the stars of the show with a string of fine saves.

There was a bit of a feeling that Rangers sat too deep and didn't get support up to Miller quick enough, and maybe Walter Smith needs to have a re-think how he approaches away games. Particularly with a vital trip to Turkey coming up, the result of this one could determine Rangers European future.

It looks more and more like their future will be in the Europa League rather than qualification for the last 16 of the Champions League.