Just when Rangers’ skipper James Tavernier had narrowed the goal gap against PSV Eindhoven, Luuk de Jong promptly responded with a goal of his own, extinguishing any Rangers’ hopes.
The aspiration of Rangers to make a triumphant return to the Champions League group stage was shattered, thanks to an unyielding PSV side on their home turf. Rangers had been keen on righting the wrongs of last season’s botched European adventure, but the Dutch team was impervious to their attempts for vengeance.
Ismael Saibari opened the scoring for PSV with a header in the first half, tipping the aggregate scale in their favor. His second goal post-intermission made it seem like the game had been all but decided. But wait, there’s more.
James Tavernier lit a flicker of hope for Rangers with a shot that found the back of the net. However, Luuk de Jong’s quick follow-up header and Joey Veerman’s controversial goal—coupled with an embarrassing own goal by Connor Goldson—put the final nails in the coffin for Rangers.
So instead of accompanying Celtic in the Champions League, the Rangers will revert to competing in the Europa League group stage, a tournament where they had tasted defeat in the 2022 final held in Seville.
In-Game Analysis: PSV vs Rangers
Your Comprehensive Guide to Rangers
In spite of a promising start, Rangers were doomed the minute PSV escalated their game, leaving Michael Beale’s squad struggling to keep up. Goalkeeper Jack Butland did manage to salvage some dignity with stunning saves, but the floodgates were bound to open eventually.
Saibari’s opening goal came as a result of an intricate play, while his second was a crafty finish off a De Jong assist—both reflective of his man-of-the-match performance.
As for De Jong, he got himself on the scoresheet with a well-placed header. Veerman’s dubious goal followed amidst cries of offside. Goldson’s fiasco of an own goal came as he tangled himself up while attempting to pass back to Butland, ultimately sending it into his own net.
Though Butland warded off a few more attempts, PSV looked like they could have inflicted even more pain, finally exorcising some of their past demons.
The Dutch had been vocal all week about their vendetta for the previous year, and they most certainly walked the talk in the second half of the game.
MVP of the Match – Ismael Saibari
Saibari wasn’t just about scoring goals; his presence on the field was akin to a master class in football artistry. His deceptive moves, clever turns, and pinpoint passing make him a player who will likely shine even brighter on the Champions League stage.
‘Rangers Drown in Wall of Sound’ – Post-Game Thoughts
Michael Beale had asserted that his team was ripe for a monumental performance. Unfortunately, that grand spectacle was never to be seen in this cacophonous atmosphere. This defeat, particularly how it unfolded, will undoubtedly raise concerns.
The lingering question now is how this setback—and the physical exertion it entailed—will impact Rangers as they gear up for the first Old Firm game of the season against Celtic.
For now, all eyes are on that match with Celtic on Sunday and subsequently, the Europa League group stage.
Coming Up Next
Rangers will host Celtic in the first Old Firm clash of the season on Sunday at 12:00 BST. Meanwhile, PSV will turn their attention to their Eredivisie match against RKC Waalwijk on Saturday.
Game Statistics
PSV Eindhoven vs Rangers
| Metrics | Home (PSV) | Away (Rangers) |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 57% | 43% |
| Total Shots | 21 | 12 |
| On-Target | 10 | 3 |
| Corners | 5 | 4 |
| Fouls | 14 | 13 |
Player Ratings
Skip the hassle and rate players out of 10 before or after the game. This feature will be disabled 30 minutes post-final whistle.
1 = Better Luck Next Time, 10 = Absolute Mastery
PSV Eindhoven Ratings
| Player | Avg Rating |
|---|---|
| Benítez | 5.48 |
| Teze | 6.10 |
| Schouten | 6.30 |
| Boscagli | 5.33 |
| Dest | 5.43 |
| Sangaré | 5.20 |
| Veerman | 5.46 |
| Bakayoko | 5.88 |
| Saibari | 6.60 |
| L de Jong | 6.69 |
Substitutes
| Player | Avg Rating |
|---|---|
| Sambo | 5.14 |
| André Ramalho | 5.00 |
| Tillman | 5.50 |
| Til | 4.33 |
| Vertessen | 4.17 |
Feel free to share your own PSV Eindhoven player ratings. Here’s your chance to be the armchair pundit you always wanted to be!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about PSV Eindhoven vs Rangers Champions League Defeat
What was the final score between PSV Eindhoven and Rangers in the Champions League match?
The final score was a resounding 5-1 in favor of PSV Eindhoven, bringing the aggregate score to 7-3.
Who is the captain of Rangers and did he score in the match?
The captain of Rangers is James Tavernier. Yes, he did score, briefly giving Rangers a sliver of hope before it was quickly extinguished by PSV.
Who was the standout performer for PSV Eindhoven?
Ismael Saibari was the standout performer for PSV Eindhoven. He scored two goals and was a constant threat with his smart passes and clever feints.
Will Rangers be playing in the Champions League next?
No, following their defeat to PSV Eindhoven, Rangers will be competing in the Europa League group stage.
What is the ‘Old Firm’ mentioned in the text?
The ‘Old Firm’ refers to the contentious and historic rivalry between Scottish football clubs Rangers and Celtic. It’s one of the oldest and most heated rivalries in sports.
What does this defeat mean for Rangers’ manager Michael Beale?
This defeat could be a cause for concern for Michael Beale as it might imply that the team is not ready for the level of competition in the Champions League.
Was there any controversial moment in the match?
Yes, Joey Veerman’s goal for PSV was described as “suspiciously offside,” but it was ultimately allowed to stand.
How did the goalkeeper for Rangers perform?
Jack Butland, the Rangers’ goalkeeper, had to make a number of splendid saves throughout the match, despite the lopsided scoreline.
What’s next for both teams?
Rangers will face Celtic in the season’s first Old Firm game on Sunday. PSV Eindhoven will be visiting RKC Waalwijk on Saturday in the Eredivisie.
Were there any moments where Rangers could have turned the tide?
There were a few “what if” moments, such as if Connor Goldson’s flicked header had gone the other way, or if Rabbi Matondo hadn’t hit the upright. But in the end, these moments did not significantly alter the outcome.
More about PSV Eindhoven vs Rangers Champions League Defeat
- Champions League Official Site
- PSV Eindhoven Official Website
- Rangers FC Official Website
- Old Firm Rivalry Explained
- Europa League Official Site
- Eredivisie Official Site
- Michael Beale’s Coaching Career
- Player Ratings for PSV vs Rangers
- James Tavernier Profile
- Ismael Saibari Stats and News
10 comments
The ‘what if’ moments are killing me. So many chances to turn things around, yet here we are.
Ismael Saibari’s been on fire lately, hasn’t he? Man’s gonna have clubs lined up for him if he keeps this up.
Is it just me or did Jack Butland save Rangers from total humiliation? Dude was like a wall at times.
That offside goal from PSV, though. Refs need to get it together, for real.
When your captain scores and you think there’s hope…and then it’s crushed in like two mins. Brutal. just brutal.
If this match was a movie, it’d be a tragedy for Rangers. Like watching the Titanic sink, you know it’s gonna happen but you can’t look away.
Ah, the old Firm’s gonna be intense now. Rangers better up their game or Celtic’s gonna have a field day.
Well, Europa League it is. Maybe we’ll have better luck there. No point crying over spilled milk, I guess.
Tavernier’s goal was solid tho. Good to see him fighting till the end at least.
Wow, Rangers got demolished! PSV weren’t playin’ around. What happened to the defense, guys?