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There was admirable efficiency in the way Roma dealt with this trip to Glasgow. Minimum of fuss. The team from Italy’s capital did, however, meet favourable opposition when placing their Europa League bid back on track. Observers noted a obvious difference in class between the Serie A outfit and a the Scottish team side that has now suffered defeat in a team record seven continental matches consecutively.

Positively, the home side at least huffed and puffed during a second half when surrender felt the probable outcome. However, the game was settled as a contest at that stage. The Scottish club remain anchored at the bottom of the Europa League, which should represent an embarrassment to a club of this standing. The Giallorossi have eyes again on making proper impact. Their only regret in this match was in not producing a scoreline that truly reflected the mismatch in quality.

Surprisingly, this represented only the Roman club’s second-ever continental encounter with Scottish opposition since Fairs Cup fixtures with Hibernian in the early 60s. The previous one, against the Terrors 23 years later, became marred (to put it mildly) by the corruption of a match official. Back then, teams from Scotland could vie with the best in Europe. This season has seen the co-efficient plunge to a level that will shortly have major ramifications.

Danny Röhl’s key attribute up to now as the Rangers support are see it is that he is not Russell Martin. The latter’s dismal tenure as the head coach lasted 123 days in the initial phase of the campaign. Röhl, the recent appointment at the helm, has displayed potential though within a limited timeframe. The dugouts witnessed a clash of generations; the Rangers boss is 36, his counterpart Gian Piero Gasperini is 67.

A further factor was far more striking as the sides took the field. Rangers’ glaring lack of height against the visitors looked ominous. That concern was proven within 13 minutes as Bryan Cristante easily flicked on a set-piece at the front post. At the back, Matías Soulé burst forward to knock his team ahead. The visitors without the injured Evan Ferguson and Paulo Dybala, who have been criticised for lack of cutting edge even with decent performances in the tournament, were pleased with their early advantage.

Rangers should have equalised instantly. Rather, Youssef Chermiti screwed his shot wide after a defensive error in the visitors’ backline. The player’s £8m signing from the Toffees has increased scrutiny of the Rangers transfer hierarchy. He has at least the physical attributes to be an effective centre forward but seems reluctant or incapable to utilize them fully.

Roma controlled opening period the ball from that point. Roma extended their advantage through their captain, whose bent effort into the far post of the goalkeeper’s net arrived after a lay off from the Ukrainian forward. Rangers will lament the fact the midfielder was left in complete freedom but it was a superb strike. Ibrox, usually a raucous place on European nights, had been quietened with time still remaining before the break. Even the boos which greeted the half-time whistle were timid; the home team were simply in the midst of being outclassed.

After the break began against a unusual backdrop. Supporters turned their attentions for the latest time towards the top executive, Patrick Stewart, and transfer chief, the director. Two banners, obviously menacing in message, showed the pair with bullseyes on their faces. It raises questions what the Rangers chairman thinks about the situation. After all, Andrew Cavenagh enjoyed an low-profile career as a successful businessman in the US before leading a acquisition of Rangers. Fans have not targeted Cavenagh yet but there is a mutinous mood in the air. This is easy to understand; The team’s leadership is wholly unconvincing.

As if scripted, Chermiti was sent through on goal on the 60-minute mark and hit the side netting. This actually triggered Rangers’ best period of the match, in which their replacement Thelo Aasgaard fired just wide. It was, however, difficult to gauge the visitors’ continued attacking motivation until the full-back was presented with a opportunity from close range which he inexplicably lifted and on to the bottom of the crossbar.

That was it as far as clear-cut opportunity were concerned. The series of changes from both teams resulted in this fixture closed more in the style of a summer exhibition than competitive match. That scenario benefited Roma fine. It prompted reflection to ponder how on earth Rangers, finalists in this tournament in 2022 and worthy of the last eight a last year, reached the stage of just participating.