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Emmanuel Fernandez handed 3/10 rating after Rangers suffer Europa League defeat
Super Eagles defender Emmanuel Fernandez was given a 3/10 rating after his difficult performance in Rangers’ 2-1 defeat by Jagiellonia Białystok in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League qualifying tie.
Fernandez played the full 90 minutes in Poland but endured a night to forget, scoring an own goal before being involved in the defensive error that led to Kajetan Szmyt’s winner.
Rangers had travelled to Poland looking for a positive result and hoping to secure Derek McInnes’ first European victory as manager. They were also aiming to respond after beginning their Scottish Premiership campaign with a 1-1 draw against Dundee United last weekend.
The Scottish side made an ideal start at the Stadion Miejski. Tuur Rommens sent a low delivery into the penalty area in the fourth minute, and Guilherme Montoia inadvertently diverted the ball into his own net to put Rangers ahead.
Jagiellonia responded quickly, however, and Fernandez was unfortunate to turn a cross into his own goal eight minutes later. The hosts then completed the turnaround shortly afterwards when a defensive mix-up involving the Nigeria international gave Szmyt the opportunity to score.
The Polish side created several more openings before half-time, with Fernandez appearing uncertain on a number of occasions, although Jagiellonia were unable to add to their lead.
Rangers improved after the interval and showed greater attacking intent as they searched for an equaliser. Ross McCrorie, Lawrence Shankland and Curtis all had opportunities to level the score, but the visitors could not find a way past the home side.
Jagiellonia also continued to threaten, yet Rangers held the deficit to one goal and remain in contention ahead of the return fixture.
The second leg will take place at Ibrox next week, with Rangers needing to overturn the 2-1 scoreline to progress in the Europa League qualifying rounds.
Fernandez had produced an encouraging display in Rangers’ league opener against Dundee United, but he was unable to reproduce that form in Poland. His own goal brought Jagiellonia back into the match, while his involvement in the mistake for Szmyt’s goal further contributed to an unconvincing performance.
Glasgow World rated the 25-year-old defender at 3/10 for his efforts.
Rangers, who finished third in the Scottish Premiership last season to earn a place in the Europa League qualifying rounds, will first face Hibernian this weekend. Fernandez will be hoping for an immediate response before Rangers return to European action for the decisive second leg against Jagiellonia Białystok.
