Sturm Graz 2-1 Rangers result: Awful start continues for Russell Martin's side

Rangers suffered a second successive defeat in the UEFA Europa League after a 2-1 loss against Sturm Graz on Thursday, piling more misery on Russell Martin’s side after a disastrous start to the season.

It did not take long for Rangers to fall behind, as they conceded a goal away from home for the 22nd match in a row - a run that has not been matched since 1897.

In the seventh minute, Maurice Malone picked up the ball inside the penalty box on the left and cut a pass back for Tomi Horvat to finish scrappily past Jack Butland, who got a hand to the effort but could not keep the ball from crossing the line.

TNT Sports co-commentator Ally McCoist labelled the opener a "howler" from a Rangers point of view, but things got worse for Martin’s side a little under half an hour later.

From a free-kick, roughly 35 yards from goal, Horvat played a simple route-one pass beyond the Rangers' defence for Otar Kiteishvili to run onto before slotting home with ease.

Rangers headed for the break with their heads down, but it was a different story at the beginning of the second half as Djeidi Gassama pulled a goal back almost instantly.

Just like he had done numerous times in the first half as Rangers’ only real threat, Gassama made another run down the left wing before cutting inside and unleashing a shot just outside of the area, which found its way into the net at the near post.

Rangers, much improved in the second half, pushed for an equaliser towards the end of the match, but the hosts held on to gain their first three points of the European campaign.

Meanwhile, the 55-time Scottish champions remain pointless, with Brann next up on October 23.

The TNT Sports panel have not held back in their assessment of tonight's Rangers performance.

"We didn't start the match well, and that's something we need to stop doing," Derek Cornelius told TNT Sports.

"We can't be naive going into any game, really. We didn't start well, we found ourselves down 2-0, and in the second half, we're chasing the game.

"We get one back, but we weren't good enough today and we need to be better."

He added: "As I said, we didn't start well. I don't know what the problem is, it seems like there are moments where everyone is switched on, everyone is tuned in, and then there are moments where we're not and it can't switch just like that during the match and I don't know why.

"We can't be accepting that and need to fix those things."

The TNT Sports co-commentator gave a harsh assessment of his former club's performance after their latest defeat.

McCoist said: "Are you asking if there was any improvement? Yes, there was an improvement in the second half. But the most important thing, without a doubt, is the result. Beaten again, unfortunately. That's two games in Europe they've lost against opposition I feel, people have seen off quite comfortably.

"One or two reasonable performances, but the Rangers fans will be disappointed. That's 22 away games without a clean sheet, which by any standards is very, very poor.

"When you watch the first half, it's understandable why they can't keep clean sheets. The first goal, particularly the second goal, the defending was nothing short of appalling.

"The second half, they were miles better, could have got a draw, but they have no points for the campaign so far."

It's another defeat for Russell Martin and Rangers, who are yet to pick up a point in the Europa League.

Rangers have a free-kick, but Sturm Graz clear their lines for now.

That's how long Rangers have to get something from this game.

James Tavernier whips a free-kick into the box from the left, which falls to John Souttar in the six-yard box, who takes a swipe but is denied by a great save!

There is a brief VAR check for a handball, but it is soon waved away.

This would be a SIXTH loss of the season across all competitions, should they fail to find a goal in the late stages here.

Russell Martin has three strikers out there now as he looks to salvage something from this contest in Austria.

The goalscorer is replaced.

And once again, Jack Butland comes to the rescue to deny substitute Leon Grgic, who had acres of space but sent his low shot straight at the Rangers 'keeper.

They've had a couple of chances, but goalkeeper Oliver Christensen has been alert to the danger to make two saves.

Just before that, Derek Cornelius was booked.

They're looking to see this one out, which would also reuslt in their first three points of the campaign.

Chermiti hits the deck screaming in pain, as it looks like he was caught on the top of his foot.

It looks as though he'll be okay to continue.

Rangers are on the back foot again and were in danger of that one-goal lead becoming two once more.

They're still chasing the game, as well as their first three points of the European campaign.