Derek McInnes threw away Europa League with 'incredible' Rangers call vs Jagiellonia

Rangers crumbled to draw 1-1 against Jagiellonia on Thursday and were eliminated from the Europa League.

The hosts started well at Ibrox, with Daisuke Yokota proving a problem for the visitors.

Lawrence Shankland had given the hosts the lead from the penalty spot, to level the aggregate score at 2-2.

However, the Gers conceded in the second-half, with Nik Prelec levelling on the night, and putting the Poland side up 3-2 overall.

The Bears will drop down to a Europa Conference League play-off after a miserable night in Govan.

There was one particular moment that changed the game for Derek McInnes' side.

What change was so catastrophic for Rangers?

McInnes decided to change his tactics at half-time, bring on Ross McCrorie for Thelo Aasgaard and go to a 4-4-2, and it turned things completely.

Former Govan striker Steven Thompson criticised the decision to change the shape, after how they were performing in the first half.

Speaking on BBC Sportsound on Thursday, he said: “It’s incredible really when you think about it.

“In the first half Rangers had control of the game. They were creating opportunities and looking dangerous. In the second half, with the formation change, they’ve not looked the same team.

“There is absolutely no two ways about that.”

It is hard not to agree to Thompson, as it was a very peculiar choice from the manager, given how they went into the break.

Why the Conference League may not be so bad for Rangers

The Europa Conference League is not where the Bears belong, they belong in one of the top two European competitions.

However, it may be a blessing in disguise for McInnes' side, as they are clearly not ready to play in the second tier competition.

For starters, there is two less games than in the other competitions, with six compared to eight.

Also, there is lesser quality opposition, so there is more chance of success for the G51 outfit, and a late run into the tournament.

It may also allow him to rest players as the teams that they play against should not be as good, given them a better chance in the league, with star players potentially being fresher.

It is not where the Gers want to be, but ultimately it is the level that they find themselves at right now, as hurtful as that is.

Things are going from bad to worse for the Auchenhowie side, but hopefully the easier level that they will now play at may bring some joy to what seems like a very tough campaign already.