Martin admits Rangers must improve after nervy win

"It's better to be lucky than good." This old adage perfectly encapsulates Rangers' journey through the Champions League qualifiers so far.

The Scottish club now stands just two games away from reaching the league phase, with Belgian side Club Brugge as their final obstacle. Progressing to the play-off round already exceeds expectations, considering their challenging draw against Panathinaikos and ongoing squad rebuilding under new head coach Russell Martin.

Defensive Concerns Emerge

While Rangers have advanced, Martin remains clear-eyed about needed improvements. The team's progression owes much to goalkeeper Jack Butland's heroics and opponents' poor finishing rather than dominant performances.

"We have a lot to work on, but we're through," Martin admitted after Rangers survived a 2-1 second-leg loss to Viktoria Plzen. "Both goals are outrageous and we have to defend better. We defend more than we should because we're sloppy with the ball."

Alarming Defensive Statistics

• Conceded 27 shots against Plzen (21 inside penalty area)
• Opponents recorded 3.31 expected goals
• Allowed 97 shots across six matches (16 per game average)

Former Rangers midfielder Ian McCall observed: "Plzen had four 100% chances and took one - all from Rangers' mistakes. They were shoddy, but the name of the game is progression."

Possession Problems Persist

Rangers' inability to maintain possession and progress the ball proved particularly troubling. Key attacking players like Oliver Antman and Djeidi Gassama saw limited involvement as passing combinations primarily occurred between Butland and center-backs.

Martin acknowledged: "Our level of quality on the ball and decision making wasn't good enough." Striker Cyriel Dessers notably didn't receive a single pass from midfield before his injury substitution.

Bright Spots Amid Concerns

Positive developments included:

• Lyall Cameron scoring his first Rangers goal
• Jack Butland's return to form with eight saves against Plzen
• The team's continued ability to score crucial European goals

Club Brugge Presents Tougher Test

The Belgian champions, who reached last season's Champions League last 16, will punish Rangers' mistakes more ruthlessly than previous opponents. A preseason 2-2 draw offers limited insight into the competitive matchup.

Former Rangers striker Steven Thompson warned: "They cannot afford to play like that against Brugge. You can guarantee they won't miss those types of gifts."

Fan Perspectives

Andy C: Grim watching. Only Souttar and Butland seem to know what they're doing.

Graham: No visible improvements - worst watch in years.

Ray: Progression is all that matters. Extra money could help Martin's system.

Brian: Woefully poor performance with sloppy defending.

Florentina: Despite negativity, we're through and helping Scotland's coefficient.