Rangers' poor season continues

Maritimo 1 Rangers 0

Rangers’ poor start to the season continued when they were beaten by a Gustavo Manduca goal in Madeira.

The result placed manager Alex McLeish under yet more pressure – and his job may now depend on overturning this first leg deficit at Ibrox in a fortnight’s time.

The visitors twice hit the woodwork in the first half and passed up plenty more opportunities against a Maritimo side that was skilful on the ball but only average at best in defence.

McLeish must now fear time is running out for him, although he could point out that only Juventus have won a European tie on this ground and Leeds twice came back from 1-0 defeats here to progress in the UEFA Cup.

The fact remains, however, that it would be a disaster if Rangers cannot reach the inaugural group stage of the competition.

The gentle folk music that entertained a relaxed and sparse home crowd before kick-off was a cruel reminder to the few hundred travelling fans that the Champions League and the big-match atmosphere that comes with it was taking place without them this season.

It was a year since Rangers had won a major match and their record in Europe under McLeish before kick off was three wins in 14 games and not a single clean sheet.

Both sides created and missed chances before the home side took the lead in the 27th minute with Nacho Novo heading a great opportunity wide in only the fifth minute.

The Spaniard had a penalty shout turned down when he went down under a challenge from Mitchell van der Gaag – a former player under McLeish at Motherwell – before he hit the post in the 12th minute.

He had been first to Fernando Ricksen’s delivery into the box, which he met on the volley, but after he had seen another penalty shout ignored it was Maritimo’s turn to come close.

Craig Moore could not stop Luis Felipe from sweeping past him into the box and the resulting shot across goal was only just wide.

It was end to end stuff from two sides whose attacking instincts scarcely covered defennsive deficiencies and another chance came and went when Dado Prso headed a Chris Burke free-kick inches wide.

A goal was coming and it was another body blow to McLeish when Manduca netted it for Maritimo. Dragan Mladenovic surrendered possession to allow Luis Filipe to set up Leo Lima for a drive that Stefan Klos could only parry and the Italian was first to the loose ball to apply the finish.

The Portuguese side could have doubled their lead straight after but Klos was able to tip over a Lima drive that was destined for the top corner.

It was not Novo’s night as he saw goalkeeper Marcos divert another first-time effort from a great position in the box behind for a corner that Prso promptly headed on to the base of the other post.

Rangers had certainly created chances but they were relieved when Luis Felipe blazed over at the other end and Brazilian striker Alan, having turned Maurice Ross inside out, fired straight at Klos.

There was still time in the half for Shota Arveladze to head another well-aimed Burke free-kick over the bar and for Ricksen to be booked for a 43rd-minute foul on Chainho.

The second half began at a less frantic pace but there was a let-off for Rangers when Antonio Ferreira’s low ball across the box found Tonel at the back post only for the defender to fluff his connection at the vital moment.

Both sides made changes before the hour mark, with Joel replacing Luis Filipe and Paolo Vanoli coming on for Gregory Vignal as the Rangers left back.

Another chance came Novo’s way and although he hit it with both power and accuracy from a position on the right goalkeeper Marcos denied him again with his body.

Van der Gaag – the game’s best defender – made a vital challenge in the box as Ricksen arrived menacingly and the goalkeeper punched away the resulting corner.

Maritimo swapped Manduca for Zumbi and the newcomer immediately headed on to send Alan racing into the box. It was a fine chance but the Brazilian poked it inches wide.

Alan was right on the money straight after however with a vicious rising drive from an angle on the right and it took a fine save from Klos to deflect it round the far post.

McLeish replaced Novo with Peter Lovenkrands with seven minutes remaining but no chances came the Dane’s way, nor to a colleague.