The Ibrox side’s exciting journey to the Europa League final last season whetted the appetite for European football’s elite club competition.
However, amid a passive first-half performance by the Light Blues, the home side took the lead in the 27th minute when captain Teddy Teuma opened the scoring with a shot which asked questions of Gers keeper Jon McLaughlin’s attempt to save.
A laboured display from Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side continued after the break and a Dante Vanzeir penalty in the 76th minute doubled the Belgian side’s lead.
The return game is at Ibrox next Tuesday and Rangers will have to come up with something really special if they are to face either Monaco or PSV Eindhoven in the play-off.
Andrew Smith gives each Rangers player a mark out of ten for their performance in Belgium ...
A laboured display from Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side continued after the break and a Dante Vanzeir penalty in the 76th minute doubled the Belgian side’s lead.
5. Borna Barisic
The Croatian displayed his scatty side initially, then his capacity for a defensive lapse in the lead up to the opening goal. His cut-short evening rarely improved thereafter. 4 Photo: Rob Casey - SNS Group
6. John Lundstram
Deployed on the right of a back three, this tactic was heralded as inspired during the Ibrox club’s run to the Europa League final. Alas, after an encouraging opening stretch, he often looked more like a midfielder playing out of position. No surprise he moved into the middle after Ben Davies’ introduction midway through the second half. 5 Photo: Rob Casey - SNS Group
7. Ryan Jack
Yet another Rangers player who had an ignominious role in the loss of the deadlock breaker, he seemed completely off the pace until he was withdrawn. 4 Photo: Craig Foy - SNS Group
8. Glen Kamara
Asked to cover acres of space with a small country between him and his central midfield partner Ryan Jack. Only player who really stuck at it, though, and had a couple of decent moments. 6 Photo: Rob Casey - SNS Group