In their ongoing Winter training camp, Rangers faced Hertha Berlin in a friendly match that left fans wanting more, but not necessarily in a positive way. Despite dominating possession and opportunities in the first half, Rangers failed to find the back of the net, ultimately succumbing to a 1-0 defeat.
The game was broadcasted on Rangers TV and YouTube, allowing fans worldwide to tune in. However, many who did watch were left somewhat disappointed as the friendly lacked the pace and cutting edge that fans typically crave.
Starting Lineup
Rangers’ manager made several changes from the predicted starting lineup, showcasing a mix of established players and those looking to prove their worth. McCrorie started in goal to gain valuable minutes, while defensive adjustments included John Souttar replacing Connor Goldson and Ridden Yilmaz starting at left-back due to Borna Barisic’s continuing injury.
Rangers’ manager made several changes from the predicted starting lineup, showcasing a mix of established players and those looking to prove their worth. McCrorie started in goal to gain valuable minutes, while defensive adjustments included John Souttar replacing Connor Goldson and Ridden Yilmaz starting at left-back due to Borna Barisic’s continuing injury.
In the midfield, the manager experimented with John Lundstram, Nicolas Raskin, and Dijon Sterling, trying to find the right balance.
Todd Cantwell was deployed on the right, Rabbi Matondo made his first start since returning from injury, and Fabio Silva marked his debut for Rangers.
Our match prediction was a mile out, but you can read our article: Rangers Set for Friendly Clash Against Bundesliga’s Hertha Berlin: What to Expect
Second Half
Surprisingly, at halftime, the entire starting eleven was swapped out, a move typically reserved for friendly matches. The second half presented a few half-chances, with players like Cyriel Dessers, Ross McCausland, and José Cifuentes trying to make an impact. Unfortunately for Rangers, they were unable to convert any of these opportunities, resulting in a 1-0 victory for Hertha Berlin.
Manager Sent Off
In a bizarre turn of events during the friendly match against Hertha Berlin, Rangers Manager Philippe Clement found himself in an unexpected situation as he was sent off by the referee. Leaving him looking on from the sidelines.
The incident unfolded after Scott Wright received a yellow card for a tackle that, by all appearances, seemed fair and well-executed. The decision immediately sparked Clement’s ire, leading to a heated exchange with the referee and, surprisingly, resulting in the manager being shown a red card.
The unexpected dismissal of the manager added an extra layer of drama to an already unusual friendly match, leaving fans and onlookers puzzled by the referee’s decision. The incident may prompt further discussion about the dynamics between managers and match officials, even in the relatively low-stakes environment of a friendly game.
End of the Match
The most exhilarating moment of the match came from the Hertha Berlin fans who, in a slightly tongue-in-cheek fashion, lit up the sky with fireworks and smoke towards the end, injecting a bit of humor into a game that lacked some on-field excitement. Despite the defeat, these friendly matches provide valuable opportunities for the manager to test different combinations, give playing time to various squad members, and fine-tune tactics ahead of more competitive fixtures. Rangers will look to learn from this experience as they continue their preparations for the challenges that lie ahead in the season.
Match Highlights
The match was pretty disappointing, but for those who wish to watch it back you can do so on the Rangers YouTube channel or using the video below.