Rangers: Spanish media react to Jose Cifuentes performance for Ecuador against Argentina
Rangers midfielder Jose Cifuentes started for Ecuador as they suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Argentina as they kicked off their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
World star Lionel Messi came to his country’s rescue once again scoring from a free kick in the 78th minute to give Argentina a 1-0 win in the first round of South American World Cup qualifying on Thursday (7 September).
Ecuador kept Argentina at bay during most of the match with a defensive line of five players, led by Chelsea midfielder Moisés Caicedo and Rangers summer signing Cifuentes, which put Messi under wraps during most of the clash in Buenos Aires.
Following the result, Spanish online newspaper outlet El Diario provided ratings (7 September) for the match in which Cifuentes was handed the worst rating of any outfield player on the pitch at 5.7/10, after being taken off in the 68th minute of the match.
Rangers form continues
Cifuentes arrived at Ibrox to much enthusiasm and fanfare following his destructive performances for Los Angeles Football Club in the MLS.
The 24-year-old was certainly the midfield weapon Rangers desperately needed, providing much aggression, energy, cutting-edge and progressive play either from deep in midfield or in the advanced roles.
However, since his move Cifuentes has struggled to provide such impetus, especially over the last couple of weeks as he’s just featured in two of Rangers’ last five games in all competitions [SofaScore], crucially benched in their Old Firm derby defeat to Celtic on 3 September.
The international break was supposed to provide him with a welcome breathing space, potentially shining for his country in order to take that form and confidence to kickstart his Ibrox career.
However, his performance against the world champions left a lot to be desired as he was unfortunately given the worst rating of any outfield player and was taken off with around 22 minutes left.
Ecuador face another difficult test before the resumption of the club competitions when they take on Uruguay on Tuesday 12 September.
Michael Beale will be hoping his marquee summer acquisition can redeem himself then so he can take that form into Ibrox to revive Rangers’ current stuttering form.
In other Rangers news, the end may be nigh for one senior Ibrox player after a decision had been made on Beale’s future in Glasgow.