UEL: Genk Edges Rangers 1-0 in UEFA Europa League Opener

Rangers' European disappointment continues with 1-0 loss to Genk

Genk secured a 1-0 win over Rangers in their UEFA Europa League opener. Oh Hyeon-gyu's clinical finish proved decisive.

The penalty save by Jack Butland significantly boosted the home crowd's morale...

Rangers' struggles in the UEFA Europa League continued as they fell 1-0 to Genk at Ibrox Stadium. The match was marked by controversy and drama, particularly after Rangers' Mohamed Diomande was sent off in the 41st minute for a tackle on Zakaria El Ouahdi. Despite being reduced to 10 men, Rangers created scoring opportunities, including a header from John Souttar that was spectacularly cleared off the line by Genk captain Bryan Heynen.

Genk, meanwhile, capitalized on their chances, with former Celtic striker Hyeon-Gyu Oh scoring the decisive goal in the 55th minute. Oh had a penalty saved by Jack Butland earlier in the match but made no mistake with his second-half strike, finishing clinically after a brilliant pass from Jarne Steuckers.

The loss puts pressure on Rangers manager Russell Martin, whose side has now won just two of their last nine UEFA Europa League home games. Martin's future at the club is uncertain, with sources suggesting he has until the international break to turn things around.

The match took an intense turn as Genk quickly transitioned down the field after a defensive scare. Zakaria El Ouahdi delivered a beautiful cross, but Oh Hyeon-gyu, a former Celtic striker, headed it wide. In midfield, Heynen continued to orchestrate the play, finding Patrik Hrošovský with a precise pass. Hrošovský showcased his skill by evading Nicolas Raskin before striking the woodwork, highlighting Genk's attacking threat.

As Genk piled on the pressure, they may have felt frustrated when referee Matej Jug's VAR review ruled out a potential penalty for a handball by Joris Kayembe. The decision was contentious, with some believing Kayembe had indeed handled the ball after Tavernier's downward header. The incident added to the drama of the match, with both teams vying for control.

 

The VAR decision regarding Joris Kayembe's potential handball proved pivotal a few minutes later. Referee Matej Jug issued a straight red card to Mohamed Diomande for a reckless tackle on Zakaria El Ouahdi, leaving Rangers with 10 men. This turning point significantly impacted the match dynamics, as Rangers struggled to cope with the numerical disadvantage.

Despite being down to 10 men, Rangers' goalkeeper Jack Butland made a crucial save to deny Genk's Oh Hyeon-gyu from the penalty spot. Oh had been awarded the penalty after James Tavernier fouled Yaimar Medina, but Butland's exceptional reflexes allowed him to palm the ball away. This save was a significant moment for Rangers, as it prevented them from falling further behind.

Genk win at Ibrox 😤#UEL pic.twitter.com/HLAgzVrHgA

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) September 25, 2025

 The penalty save by Jack Butland significantly boosted the home crowd's morale, and they showed their displeasure with referee Matej Jug's decisions by booing him off the field after the match. In response to Diomande's red card, Rangers head coach Russell Martin made a tactical substitution, bringing on Oliver Antman for Mikey Moore to try and bolster the team's attack.

Despite being down to 10 men, Rangers started the second half on a positive note. However, their momentum was eventually broken when Genk took the lead. A beautifully executed team move culminated in Jarne Steuckers delivering an inch-perfect pass to Oh Hyeon-gyu, who scored with clinical precision, making amends for his earlier penalty miss.

Despite being down to 10 men and trailing 1-0, Rangers refused to give up. Djeidi Gassama came close to scoring with a shot that flashed wide, showcasing the team's determination to find an equalizer. However, Genk's defense held firm, and they were on the brink of doubling their lead when Oh Hyeon-gyu thought he'd scored his second. The goal was narrowly avoided as Hrošovský was flagged for offside, a decision that would have further dented Rangers' hopes.

In the final moments of the match, Rangers manager Russell Martin made a triple substitution in a bid to salvage a point or even snatch an equalizer. However, these changes had little impact on the game's outcome. Genk maintained their defensive solidity and earned their first away clean sheet since early March, securing a valuable 1-0 victory to kick-start their UEFA Europa League campaign.