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Roma displayed admirable efficiency about the way Roma handled this journey to Scotland. Minimum of fuss. Roma from Italy’s capital did, nonetheless, face manageable rivals when placing their European competition bid back on track. Observers noted a glaring difference in class between Roma and a Rangers side that has now lost a team record seven continental matches in a row.

To their credit, Rangers at least fought hard during a later period when surrender felt the more likely outcome. Yet, the game was decided as a competition by then. Rangers remain anchored at the bottom of the tournament, which should constitute an embarrassment to a club of this standing. Roma have ambitions once more on achieving significant success. Their only regret here was in not producing a result that truly reflected men against boys.

Amazingly, this marked only Roma’s second continental encounter with Scottish opposition since Fairs Cup business with Hibs in the early 60s. The previous one, against Dundee United 23 years later, became marred (to put it politely) by the corruption of a referee. In those days, Scottish clubs could compete with the best in the continent. The current campaign has seen the UEFA coefficient plunge to a point that will shortly have major ramifications.

Danny Röhl’s main quality up to now as the Rangers support are concerned is that he isn’t his predecessor. Martin’s ghastly tenure as the manager continued for just over four months in the initial phase of this season. The German coach, the new man at the helm, has displayed potential though within a limited timeframe. The dugouts saw a generation game; Röhl is 36, his opposite number Gian Piero Gasperini is 67.

Another element was far more striking as the sides took the field. Rangers’ glaring lack of height against the Italians looked worrying. This point was confirmed within the opening quarter-hour as the Roma midfielder easily flicked on a set-piece at the front post. Following up, the Argentine winger sprinted into space to knock his team in front. The visitors minus the unavailable their young striker and Paulo Dybala, who have been questioned for lack of cutting edge despite decent results in the tournament, were delighted with their quick lead.

Rangers should have equalised immediately. Rather, Youssef Chermiti sent his effort off target after a mix-up in the visitors’ backline. The player’s £8m purchase from the Toffees has increased scrutiny of the club’s recruitment team. Chermiti possesses at least the physical attributes to be an effective centre forward but appears reluctant or incapable to use them.

Roma controlled first-half possession from that point. Roma extended their advantage through Lorenzo Pellegrini, whose bent effort into the bottom corner of the goalkeeper’s net arrived after a pass from Artem Dovbyk. Rangers will lament the fact Pellegrini stood in blissful isolation but it was a gorgeous strike. Ibrox, usually a boisterous venue on European nights, had been silenced nine minutes before the break. Even the boos which met the half-time whistle were timid; the home team were simply in the midst of being overwhelmed.

After the break started against a unusual backdrop. Those Rangers fans directed their focus once again towards the top executive, Patrick Stewart, and sporting director, Kevin Thelwell. Two banners, clearly sinister in tone, showed the pair with targets on their faces. It raises questions what the Rangers chairman thinks about the situation. Ultimately, Andrew Cavenagh enjoyed an low-profile life as a successful businessman in the US before fronting a acquisition of this club. Fans have not turned on Cavenagh so far but there is a mutinous mood around the club. This is unsurprising; Rangers’ leadership is completely unconvincing.

Right on cue, Chermiti was played in on the keeper 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 shot narrowly past the post. It was, nonetheless, difficult to gauge Roma’s remaining attacking motivation until the full-back was given a opportunity from close range which he inexplicably hit up and onto the underside of the crossbar.

That opportunity as far as clear-cut opportunity were involved. The raft of substitutions from both teams meant this fixture ended more in the fashion of a summer exhibition than serious contest. This of course suited Roma perfectly. There was cause to ponder how on earth Rangers, finalists in this competition in 2022 and strong enough of the last eight a season ago, arrived at the point of making up the numbers.