Soulé along with Pellegrini on target as AS Roma dominate Glasgow Rangers

Roma displayed impressive effectiveness about the way Roma handled this trip to Scotland. Minimum of fuss. The team from Rome did, however, meet favourable opposition when placing their Europa League bid back on track. There was a glaring difference in class between Roma and a the Scottish team squad that has now lost a team record seven continental matches in a row.

To their credit, the home side at least huffed and puffed during a later period when capitulation felt the probable outcome. However, the game was decided as a competition by then. The Scottish club remain anchored at the bottom of the tournament, which should represent an embarrassment to a club of such stature. Roma have eyes once more on achieving significant success. Their only regret here was in not producing a result that truly reflected the mismatch in quality.

Surprisingly, this represented only the Roman club’s second-ever continental encounter with a team from Scotland since the historic Fairs Cup fixtures with Hibs in the early 60s. The previous one, against Dundee United 23 years later, became marred (to put it mildly) by the bribing of a match official. In those days, teams from Scotland could compete with the best in the continent. This season has seen the co-efficient drop to a level that will shortly have huge consequences.

The new manager’s main quality so far as the fanbase are see it is that he isn’t his predecessor. Martin’s ghastly spell as the head coach continued for just over four months in the initial phase of the campaign. The German coach, the new man at the helm, has displayed potential though within a limited timeframe. The dugouts witnessed a clash of generations; the Rangers boss is 36, his opposite number Gian Piero Gasperini is 67.

Another element was much more noticeable as the sides lined up. Rangers’ glaring short stature against the Italians looked ominous. This point was proven within the opening quarter-hour as Bryan Cristante comfortably flicked on a set-piece at the front post. At the back, Matías Soulé burst forward to fire his team ahead. The visitors without the unavailable their young striker and their star attacker, who have been questioned for bluntness despite decent results in this campaign, were pleased with their early advantage.

Rangers could have levelled matters immediately. Rather, Youssef Chermiti screwed his shot wide after a mix-up in the Roma defence. Chermiti’s eight-million-pound purchase from Everton has increased scrutiny of the club’s recruitment team. He has at least the physical attributes to be an productive striker but appears reluctant or incapable to utilize them fully.

The Italian outfit controlled opening period possession from that point. Roma extended their advantage through their captain, whose bent effort into the bottom corner of Jack Butland’s net came after a lay off from Artem Dovbyk. The hosts will lament the fact the midfielder was left in blissful isolation but it was a gorgeous finish. Ibrox, usually a raucous place on continental evenings, had been quietened with time still remaining until halftime. The discontent which met the half-time whistle were timid; Rangers were simply in the midst of being overwhelmed.

The second period started against a unusual atmosphere. Supporters turned their attentions for the latest time towards the top executive, Patrick Stewart, and sporting director, the director. Two banners, clearly sinister in message, showed the pair with targets on their images. It raises questions what the club owner makes of the situation. Ultimately, Andrew Cavenagh had an anonymous life as a wealthy entrepreneur in the United States before fronting a takeover of this club. Paying punters have not turned on the owner yet but there is a rebellious feeling around the club. It is one which is unsurprising; Rangers’ management is wholly unimpressive.

Right on cue, the striker was sent through on the keeper on the hour mark and hit the outside of the goal. That moment sparked Rangers’ best period of the game, in which their substitute Thelo Aasgaard shot narrowly past the post. Yet, nonetheless, difficult to gauge Roma’s remaining offensive intent until Zeki Celik was presented with a opportunity from close range which he somehow hit up and on to the underside of the bar.

That was it as far as meaningful opportunity were involved. The raft of changes from each side meant this game closed more in the fashion of a summer exhibition than competitive match. This of course suited Roma fine. It prompted reflection to consider how exactly Rangers, finalists in this competition in 2022 and worthy of the last eight a last year, reached the point of making up the numbers.