Porto 3–1 Rangers: Scottish Side Collapse After Flying Start in Final Europa League Outing – Sportsphere24
Rangers’ Europa League campaign ended in a 3–1 defeat to FC Porto at Estádio do Dragão, as an early lead evaporated under a ruthless first-half response from the Portuguese side. Djeidi Gassama put Rangers ahead inside six minutes, but goals from Rodrigo Mora, Francisco Moura, and an Emmanuel Fernandez own goal turned the game on its head before half-time, sealing Porto’s place among the top seeds for the knockout rounds.
Gassama Shock Opener Stuns Porto
Despite already being eliminated before kick-off, Rangers started brightly in Portugal. In the 6th minute, Findlay Curtis whipped in a cross from the right, and Djeidi Gassama met it with a downward header that bounced past Diogo Costa, giving the visitors a surprise 1–0 lead.
For a brief spell, Danny Röhl’s side looked confident, pressing high and disrupting Porto’s build-up play. However, the hosts gradually settled into their rhythm, increasing the tempo and pinning Rangers deeper into their own half.
Rangers’ First-Half Collapse
Porto’s equaliser came in the 27th minute after a defensive lapse. Jayden Meghoma mis-controlled a clearance inside his own box, toe-poking the ball toward goal, and 18-year-old Rodrigo Mora reacted first to control and finish from close range for 1–1.
Rangers then crumbled, conceding twice more before the interval:
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36th minute: Captain James Tavernier and goalkeeper Jack Butland collided while attempting to clear a long ball, allowing Francisco Moura to flick home from almost on the line, making it 2–1.
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41st minute: From a Porto corner, Emmanuel Fernandez, off balance, headed into his own net, extending Porto’s lead to 3–1 and completing a disastrous first-half spell for the Scottish visitors.
Second-Half Response but No Way Back
Rangers improved after the break, with all five substitutions used to inject energy and protect key players ahead of domestic fixtures. Midfielder Nico Raskin forced a save from Diogo Costa with a long-range effort in the 63rd minute, but Porto largely managed the game and limited clear-cut chances.
Porto continued to threaten on counters and set pieces, with half-chances to extend their advantage. Rangers had brief nervy moments, notably when Jack Butland was caught out wide in his box, but John Souttar recovered to clear danger. Ultimately, Porto saw out the final stages comfortably, securing a professional home win.
Europa League Implications
The victory elevated FC Porto to 17 points in the Europa League league phase, ensuring a top-eight finish and direct qualification for the round of 16 under UEFA’s new format. As a seeded team, Porto will host the second leg of their last-16 tie at Estádio do Dragão.
For Rangers, the defeat concluded their European campaign with just four points from eight games and a -9 goal difference, placing them near the bottom of the standings. With continental hopes gone, attention now returns fully to the Scottish Premiership, where they face Hibernian at Easter Road, aiming to stay within striking distance of leaders Hearts.