More misery for Martin as Rangers lose at Sturm
Djeidi Gassama's stunner was not enough to inspire Rangers to a comeback against Sturm Graz as Russell Martin's struggling side lost 2-1 in the UEFA Europa League.
The pressure is on Martin and Rangers's leadership after a miserable start to the season.
Rangers is eighth in the Scottish Premiership, already eight points behind leader Hearts and six adrift of second-placed Celtic, and it has now lost both of its opening two UEFA Europa League fixtures.
Tomi Horvat put the hosts ahead after just seven minutes at Merkur Arena, rounding off a rapid counter-attack.
Jack Butland made a fine save soon after, before Youssef Chermiti struck the crossbar, but Rangers found themselves 2-0 down when Otar Kiteishvili capitalised on some sloppy defending.
Gassama arrowed in from distance to give Rangers hope in the 49th minute, but a late effort from John Souttar – brilliantly saved by Oliver Christensen – was the closest Martin's team came to an equaliser.
Rangers has now conceded 60 goals in 44 games in all competitions in 2025, an average of 1.36 per game.
It has now gone 22 away matches in all competitions without a clean sheet, equalling a club record that has stood since January 1897.
