As the Gers faithful packed into Hampden, it was clear that excitement and anticipation were in the air. With Ibrox undergoing necessary renovations, our temporary home still felt electric, and the team’s performance mirrored that energy—at least in the first half. Rangers’ 2-1 victory over Motherwell had its moments of brilliance, but it also reminded us that this squad is very much a work in progress.
A Promising First Half
Rangers came out of the gates with intent, and the opening 45 minutes were some of the best football we’ve seen from Philippe Clement’s men in recent weeks. Cyriel Dessers continued his fine form, netting the opener within the first 15 minutes. His goal, a clinical finish after some great work by Mohamed Diomande, set the tone for a dominant first half.
Vaclav Cerny, making his first start for the club, quickly became the name on everyone’s lips. His curling strike to restore Rangers’ lead after Motherwell’s fortunate equaliser was a moment of pure class. Cerny’s creativity and vision were on full display, and although he’s not yet at peak fitness, he’s already showing why he could be a key player for us this season. His movement was sharp, and his ability to spot and execute passes was impressive. He was unlucky not to have another assist after putting Scott Wright through on goal—a chance that should have been buried after doing the hard work.
Connor Barron, another standout, controlled the midfield with a level of energy and composure that belies his relatively recent arrival from Aberdeen. His presence in the engine room is exactly what Rangers have been missing—strong, decisive, and relentless in both attack and defence. Barron looks like the best signing we’ve made so far, and his impact is only likely to grow as he continues to settle into the team.
Second-Half Struggles and Defensive Concerns
However, despite the promising first half, the second half revealed that there’s still work to be done. Rangers couldn’t maintain the same level of intensity and creativity after the break, allowing Motherwell more opportunities to threaten. While we managed to hold on for the win, the drop in performance is a concern, especially as we head into the crucial Champions League qualifier against Dynamo Kyiv.
Defensively, the match was a mixed bag. Robin Propper, making his debut, looked solid for the most part. He organised the back line well and communicated effectively with those around him. It was unfortunate that he ended up on the wrong side of an own goal, but in fairness, that moment stemmed more from James Tavernier’s failure to close down the cross and John Souttar’s deflection than any mistake on Propper’s part. His booking also felt harsh—he won the ball cleanly, albeit with some force.
On the other hand, Souttar’s performance left much to be desired. He seemed to struggle throughout the match, often caught under the ball and making unforced errors. These lapses are becoming a worrying trend, and with the stakes so high in the upcoming matches, many fans, including myself, would prefer to see a Balogun-Propper partnership in defense.
The Road Ahead
This victory over Motherwell, while not flawless, shows that Rangers are making strides in the right direction. The first half showcased the potential of this squad, especially with players like Barron and Cerny starting to hit their stride. But consistency is key, and the second-half dip in form serves as a reminder that there’s still much work to be done.
As we look forward to the return leg against Dynamo Kyiv, the decisions Clement makes—particularly in defense—could be crucial. The fans have every right to be optimistic, but we must also be realistic. This team is still finding its identity under the new management, and patience, as always, will be required.
For now, let’s savor the three points and hope that this is the start of something special as Rangers continue to build towards a successful season.
This piece combines analysis, praise, and constructive criticism, reflecting the sentiments of a passionate Rangers supporter. Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to include!