Match Report & Ratings V Brugge as Rangers Get Preseason Started | OneFootball

Rangers began the Russell Martin era with a 2–2 pre-season draw against Belgian outfit Club Brugge, and while the result on paper was largely irrelevant, the performance certainly was not. Supporters have been quick to dissect every moment of the encounter in Govan, offering firm opinions on who stood out, who flopped and what it all might mean for the season ahead. For a pre-season friendly, the fan reaction was as intense as a European night at Ibrox.

Rangers started poorly, conceding twice in the opening 15 minutes to a sharp and clinical Brugge side. Hugo Vetlesen opened the scoring before Ludovit Reis added a stunning volley moments later to give the hosts a commanding lead. The goals were met with silence by the away bench but loud frustration from fans following the match online, who were unimpressed by the first-half Rangers lineup. Danilo, Kieran Dowell, Robin Propper and Leon King all featured early and all came in for a hammering from the support, many describing the performance as flat, toothless and completely lacking in energy.

Leon King in particular was slated for his defensive positioning, with some fans even suggesting he should be sent out on loan again to build confidence. He looked uncertain throughout the opening spell and was caught out of position more than once. Propper, meanwhile, failed to bring any control or authority at the rear either, and Dowell was anonymous. Danilo barely registered a touch and was outmuscled constantly. Based on this showing, few if any of that first-half quartet did themselves any favours.

Halftime brought a wave of changes, and Rangers improved almost immediately. Mohamed Diomande got one back shortly after the restart, showing great composure in the box to finish well. It was a timely reminder of the Ivorian’s potential, and fans were pleased to see someone inject real urgency and sharpness into the game. His rating? A solid 7 for the impact alone.

The real star of the day, however, was 18-year-old Findlay Curtis. He seized his start by calmly finishing to level the match at 2–2 after good work from sub Nedim Bajrami. The finish was confident and his movement clever, earning widespread praise from fans across social media and forums alike. It was the kind of composed performance that suggests he is not far off first-team action. Curtis gets a well-earned 8.

Bajrami was another big talking point. He came off the bench looking hungry and direct, making positive runs and playing a key role in the second goal. His driving run opened up the Brugge defence before laying it off to Curtis for the equaliser. The Albanian had gone under the radar last season, but this was a reminder of what he can offer when given freedom to play. He earns a 7 for the contribution and intensity.

Emmanuel Fernandez made his debut and divided opinion. On one hand, his sheer size and presence were clear assets, and he made some decent recoveries. On the other hand, he looked uncomfortable on the ball and lacked composure under pressure. Fans are undecided, but most agree he needs time and polish. A 6 feels fair for now.

There was some praise for Connor Barron too. Quietly effective in midfield, he broke up play and kept things ticking without fanfare. James Tavernier and Jack Butland also added calmness and structure in the second half, helping to keep Brugge at bay. All three can be credited with 6s, doing their jobs without fuss.

In conclusion, Rangers’ 2–2 draw with Brugge was a mixed bag. The first half was flat and disappointing, and it’s clear several players failed to take their chance. The second half, however, was full of life, with young talent and fringe players showing far more urgency and desire. It’s only pre-season, but the early signs under Martin are that the fans will not tolerate passengers – and that Curtis, Bajrami and Diomande may just be names to watch as the real stuff begins.