Rangers crash out of Conference League in shootout loss to Czech side Jablonec
Rangers' European campaign in the 2026/27 UEFA Europa Conference League came to an end at the qualification/playoff stage as they fell to Czech opponents FK Jablonec in a penalty shootout. Despite holding their own over 90 minutes, Rangers could not convert from the spot, ending their hopes of advancing to the group stage. The Guardian's coverage also referenced Brighton's involvement in the same competition, indicating a busy night of Conference League action across Europe.
Read the full story at theguardian.comRangers' early exit from the Conference League hands new manager Russell Martin a difficult first stretch of competitive football, stripping the Ibrox side of European revenue and group-stage experience. Losing on penalties to Jablonec — a side Rangers would have been expected to beat — raises questions about squad depth, mentality from the spot, and the club's readiness for the demands of a long domestic season. With Celtic already through in Champions League qualifying, the optics of Rangers falling at a lower European hurdle will only intensify scrutiny on Martin's project.
Context added by Socc360, not by theguardian.com.
Data source: theguardian.com (via Socc360). Last updated .
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