UEL: Rangers Suffer 2-1 Defeat to Sturm Graz in Europa League

Sturm Graz edges Rangers 2-1 in UEFA Europa league

Sturm Graz secured a thrilling 2-1 victory over Rangers in their UEFA Europa League match, marking their fourth consecutive European home win.

Rangers' best chance in the first half came when Youssef Chermiti's header hit the crossbar...

Sturm Graz handed Rangers a 2-1 defeat in their UEFA Europa League match, extending the Scottish side's winless run and piling pressure on manager Russell Martin. The Austrian side dominated the game, with Tomi Horvat scoring the opener in the 7th minute after a botched Rangers throw-in, and Otar Kiteishvili doubling the lead just before halftime with a clever finish from a Horvat free-kick.

Rangers struggled to find their footing, with Stuart McIver's side being outplayed in the first half. However, they showed some resilience after the break, with Djeidi Gassama pulling one back for the visitors with a well-taken goal. Despite late pressure, Sturm Graz goalkeeper Oliver Christensen made crucial saves to deny John Souttar and Derek Cornelius, securing a fourth consecutive European home win for his team.

The defeat leaves Rangers without a point in the league phase, increasing scrutiny on Russell Martin's tactics and team management. Sturm Graz, on the other hand, have announced themselves as serious contenders in the competition. Rangers' next challenge is a trip to Falkirk in the Scottish Premiership, while Sturm Graz will look to build on this momentum in their next European outing.

Full-Time: Sturm Graz 2-1 Rangers#UEL pic.twitter.com/bvvlgSU377

— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) October 2, 2025

Rangers' first half was disastrous, with Martin's side growing weaker as the game wore on. Their struggles deepened early on when they lost possession from a throw-in, allowing Sturm Graz to quickly transition into a goal-scoring opportunity. Tomi Horvat capitalized on the turnover, firing home to give Graz the lead and extend Rangers' wait for a competitive away clean sheet to 22 matches - matching a club record set in the 19th century.

Rangers' best chance in the first half came when Youssef Chermiti's header hit the crossbar, but aside from this moment, the visitors struggled to create opportunities. Sturm Graz, on the other hand, continued to dominate, and their superior play was rewarded when Otar Kiteishvili doubled their lead in the 35th minute. Kiteishvili latched onto Tomi Horvat's inventive free-kick and slid a first-time finish under Jack Butland.

At halftime, Russell Martin introduced Max Aarons and Bojan Miovski in a double substitution, hoping to shift the momentum in Rangers' favor. However, the visitors still looked out of sorts, and it was clear they faced an uphill task to get back into the game. Sturm Graz's control and creativity had given them a deserved two-goal cushion, leaving Rangers to battle back from behind.

Djeidi Gassama sparked a Rangers fightback with a stunning goal, cutting inside the box and unleashing a fierce strike past Oliver Christensen. The momentum shifted in Rangers' favor as they pressed for the equalizer, with Christensen making crucial saves to deny Derek Cornelius and John Souttar in quick succession. Despite continued pressure, Christensen remained resolute, keeping out Souttar's powerful drive to secure a 2-1 win for Sturm Graz.

The narrow defeat extends Rangers' winless run, prolonging their wait for back-to-back victories this season. Gassama's goal provided a glimmer of hope, but ultimately, Sturm Graz's defense held firm to claim the win.