🔗 Share this article

Roma displayed admirable efficiency about the way Roma handled this trip to Scotland. Without much drama. Roma from Rome did, however, face manageable rivals when placing their European competition bid on the right path. Observers noted a glaring difference in class between Roma and a Rangers squad that has now suffered defeat in a club record seven continental matches in a row.

Positively, the home side at least fought hard during a later period when capitulation felt the more likely outcome. Yet, the game was settled as a contest at that stage. The Scottish club remain anchored at the bottom of the tournament, which should constitute an embarrassment to a club of this standing. The Giallorossi have eyes again on achieving significant success. Their only regret here was in not delivering a result appropriately depicting the mismatch in quality.

Amazingly, this marked only Roma’s second-ever European joust with Scottish opposition since Fairs Cup business with Hibs in 1961. The previous one, against the Terrors over two decades later, became overshadowed (to put it mildly) by the corruption of a match official. Back then, teams from Scotland could vie with the best in the continent. The current campaign has seen the UEFA coefficient drop to a point that will shortly have major ramifications.

The new manager’s main quality up to now as the Rangers support are see it is that he is not his predecessor. The latter’s ghastly tenure as the manager continued for 123 days in the early part of this season. Röhl, the recent appointment at the helm, has displayed potential though within a tiny sample size. The dugouts saw a clash of generations; the Rangers boss is 36, his opposite number the Roma manager is 67.

A further factor was much more noticeable as the teams lined up. Rangers’ glaring lack of height against the visitors looked worrying. That concern was proven within the opening quarter-hour as Bryan Cristante easily flicked on a set-piece at the front post. Following up, Matías Soulé sprinted into space to knock Roma ahead. A Roma team without the unavailable their young striker and Paulo Dybala, who have been questioned for bluntness even with reasonable results in this campaign, were delighted with their quick lead.

The Ibrox side could have levelled matters instantly. Instead, the forward screwed his shot wide after a mix-up in the Roma defence. Chermiti’s £8m purchase from the Toffees has increased scrutiny of the club’s recruitment team. He has at least the physique to be an effective striker but appears unwilling or unable to use them.

Roma controlled first-half possession thereafter. They extended their advantage through their captain, whose bent effort into the far post of the goalkeeper’s net arrived after a pass from the Ukrainian forward. Rangers will bemoan the fact the midfielder stood in complete freedom but it was a superb strike. Ibrox, typically a boisterous venue on European nights, had been quietened with time still remaining until halftime. Even the boos which greeted the half-time whistle were timid; Rangers were simply in the process of being overwhelmed.

After the break began against a curious backdrop. Those Rangers fans turned their attentions once again towards the club’s chief executive, Patrick Stewart, and transfer chief, the director. A pair of displays, clearly menacing in tone, showed the pair with targets on their faces. It raises questions what the Rangers chairman makes of the situation. Ultimately, the chairman had an low-profile life as a wealthy entrepreneur in the US before fronting a acquisition of Rangers. Paying punters have not targeted Cavenagh so far but there is a rebellious feeling around the club. It is one which is easy to understand; Rangers’ management is completely unconvincing.

As if scripted, the striker was sent through on the keeper on the hour mark and found only the outside of the goal. This actually triggered the home side’s finest spell of the match, in which their substitute Thelo Aasgaard fired just wide. Yet, nonetheless, hard to determine Roma’s remaining offensive intent until Zeki Celik was given a chance all of a yard out which he inexplicably lifted and onto the underside of the crossbar.

That was it as far as clear-cut chances were concerned. The series of changes from each side meant this game closed more in the fashion of a pre-season friendly than competitive match. That scenario benefited Roma perfectly. It prompted reflection to consider how exactly Rangers, finalists in this tournament in recently and strong enough of the last eight a season ago, reached the stage of just participating.