Super Eagles watch: Fernandez rated after Rangers’ Europa League qualifier

Emmanuel Fernandez of Rangers. Copyright: ImagoxJamiexJohnstonx

Super Eagles defender Emmanuel Fernandez was in action for Scottish giants Rangers as they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Polish side Jagiellonia Białystok in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League qualifying tie on Thursday night, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Light Blues finished third in the Scottish Premiership last season to book their place in the Europa League qualifying rounds.

Rangers made the perfect start when Guilherme Montoia turned the ball into his own net in the fourth minute to give the visitors an early lead. 

However, Fernandez unfortunately scored an own goal to bring Jagiellonia level before Kajetan Szmyt netted the winner just minutes later to hand the Polish side a first-leg advantage.

Soccer Jagiellonia vs Rangers: What happened in the game

Rangers travelled to Poland hoping to take a positive result back to Ibrox and also secure Derek McInnes’ first European victory as manager after last weekend’s 1-1 Scottish Premiership draw against Dundee United.

The visitors could not have asked for a better start. Tuur Rommens delivered a dangerous low cross into the penalty area, and Montoia inadvertently diverted the ball into his own net in the fourth minute.

The early setback sparked the hosts into life, and they drew level just eight minutes later when Fernandez accidentally turned a cross into his own goal.

Jagiellonia completed the turnaround soon after as a defensive mix-up involving Fernandez allowed Kajetan Szmyt to find the back of the net and put the home side in front for the first time.

Fernandez endured a difficult evening and looked shaky on a few more occasions, but Jagiellonia failed to make the most of those moments before the break.

The hosts continued to create chances after halftime but were unable to extend their lead. Rangers responded with more attacking intent, but Ross McCrorie, Lawrence Shankland and Curtis were all denied as the Scottish side searched for an equaliser.

Rangers will now look to overturn the deficit when they host the second leg at Ibrox next week.

Soccer Super Eagles player rating: Fernandez sloppy in Rangers defeat

Emmanuel Fernandez played the full 90 minutes but endured a difficult outing in Poland.

After an encouraging performance in Rangers’ league opener against Dundee United, the Super Eagles defender struggled to reach the same level this time. His unfortunate own goal brought Jagiellonia back into the contest, and he was also involved in the defensive error that led to the hosts’ winning goal.

Overall, it was an underwhelming display from the Super Eagles defender, who was handed a 3/10 rating according to Glasgow World.

The 25-year-old will be eager to bounce back when Rangers face Hibernian this weekend before turning their attention to the decisive second leg against Jagiellonia.

Ayomide Oguntimehin

Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and Chief Editor at Soccernet.ng. He has interviewed Super Eagles stars like William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Ademola Lookman, and is known for breaking major transfer stories.

Ayomide has worked with Sports Brief, Naija News and served as Social Lead Editor at Legit.ng. He has also featured on Goal, TVC News, Sports Mole, and Milan News24. He holds a Master’s degree and is currently pursuing a PhD. Follow Ayomide on X (formerly Twitter): @ayo_oguntimehin