Rangers suffered a complete collapse in European competition when they were eliminated by Czech side Jablonec, ending any hope of reaching the UEFA Conference League. After enjoying a 1-0 advantage from the first leg at Ibrox, Derek McInnes' squad travelled to the Czech Republic only to produce a lackluster display that was bereft of imagination, creativity, or any clear tactical cohesion. The performance proved costly, as Jablonec fought back to level the tie and ultimately prevailed in a penalty shoot‑out.
From the opening whistle, it was evident that Rangers were not the same side that had secured the first‑leg lead. The players moved sluggishly, failed to combine effectively, and appeared uncomfortable in the new shape that McInnes introduced at halftime. The manager tried to spark a revival by bringing on captain Lawrence Shankland, along with Connor Barron and Findlay Curtis, but the changes did little to lift the team's spirit or quality of play.
Jablonec midfielder Vakhtang Chanturishvili took advantage of the disorganisation, striking a powerful drive in the 73rd minute to make it 1‑1 on aggregate and send the contest into extra time. Extra time produced no further breakthroughs, and the match proceeded to a penalty shoot‑out. Rangers keeper Ivor Pandur managed to tip away Filip Zorvan's attempt, yet Findlay Curtis missed his spot‑kick by blasting it over the bar, and James Penrice saw his effort saved by Jablonec custodian Jan Hanus.
The decisive kick fell to Jan Chramosta, who calmly slotted home the winning penalty, sealing a 4‑3 shoot‑out victory for the visitors. The defeat represents a major setback for the Glasgow club.
Earlier this season they had already been knocked out of the Europa League qualifiers by Polish outfit Jagiellonia Bialystok, and the ongoing reconstruction under McInnes is now under intense scrutiny. For the first time in almost ten years, Rangers will miss out on any European group‑stage football, a stark contrast to the relative success they have enjoyed in recent Europa League campaigns. In the post‑match interview, a visibly distraught McInnes described his feelings as "mortified". He admitted that while losing games is part of football, the team should have possessed the mental and technical resources to overcome the challenge.
"I'm mortified by the performance," he said. "We have the infrastructure and the preparation to deal with situations like this, but tonight we fell far short of what is expected." McInnes went on to take full responsibility for the result, while also acknowledging that the blame is shared. He highlighted the massive turnover in personnel this season, noting that many of the new signings lacked the experience required for high‑pressure European fixtures.
"There has been a big turnover of players, and we looked very inexperienced at times," he explained. "The responsibility is mine to ensure we improve, but the players also have to raise their own standards." The manager also praised the club's backroom staff and the supporters, who continued to back the team despite the disappointing display. He emphasized that the fans deserve better performances, especially when they travel long distances and invest emotionally and financially in the club.
Reaction from the media was equally harsh. Sky Sports analyst Kris Boyd labelled the showing "embarrassing" and questioned McInnes' future at the helm. Boyd pointed to the constant tactical tinkering – one moment a back four, the next a back three – as evidence of a lack of clear direction and trust between manager and players. He suggested that another managerial change might be inevitable if the club does not reverse its fortunes quickly.
Fans took to social media with a mixture of anger, disappointment, and frustration. Many called for the dismissal of McInnes, arguing that the team has become one of the poorest they have ever seen. Criticism was also directed at the club's recruitment policy, with supporters accusing the hierarchy of signing "average, overpriced" players who fail to deliver on the pitch.
Some even suggested bringing back former Liverpool and Rangers legend Steven Gerrard as a potential solution, claiming that McInnes lacks a clear plan A or B for managing a club of Rangers' stature. Looking ahead, Rangers now turn their attention back to domestic competition. Their next fixture is a Scottish Premiership clash against Aberdeen, scheduled for Sunday and broadcast live on Sky Sports.
The result of that match could provide a much‑needed morale boost, but the underlying issues highlighted by the Jablonec defeat will need to be addressed swiftly if the club hopes to restore its reputation and return to European football next season. In summary, Rangers' exit from the Conference League was a painful reminder of the challenges facing the club under Derek McInnes.
The combination of tactical uncertainty, inexperienced personnel, and a lack of confidence on the field culminated in a performance that left both the manager and supporters feeling mortified. With the season now focused on domestic battles, the pressure on McInnes to deliver immediate improvement has never been greater, and the next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether his tenure can survive this low point.