# Rangers Grind Past Jablonec in Unconvincing Conference League Play-Off First Leg

> By  · Published 2026-08-21 · Updated 2026-08-21
> https://lesportifplus.com/en/2026/08/21/rangers-grind-past-jablonec-in-unconvincing-conference-league-play-off-first-leg/

## Summary
Rangers, managed by McInnes, defeated Jablonec in the first leg of their Europa Conference League play-off, securing a lead heading into the second leg. However, BBC Sport's Tom English described the performance as unconvincing and labour-intensive, raising concerns about the team's form despite the positive result.

## Key points
- Rangers beat Jablonec in the first leg of their Europa Conference League play-off under manager McInnes
- The performance was criticised as unattractive and effort-driven rather than fluent
- The second leg will determine whether Rangers advance further in the competition

Rangers manager McInnes saw his side claim victory over Jablonec in the first leg of their Europa Conference League play-off, but the win was overshadowed by a laboured, unattractive display that BBC Sport’s Tom English likened to a stodgy, twelve-course meal of effort without elegance.

## What happened in the first leg against Jablonec?

Rangers came away with a first-leg advantage over the Czech club, giving them a platform heading into the return fixture. Despite the positive result, the performance lacked the fluidity and control fans might expect from a side aiming to progress deep into European competition, with commentators noting a heavy reliance on effort and physicality over composed football.

The tie now moves to the second leg, where Rangers will look to convert their first-leg lead into a spot in the next stage of the competition, likely needing a more polished display to avoid unnecessary tension.

## Why did the performance draw criticism despite the win?

The criticism stems from the manner of the victory rather than the outcome itself. Rangers reportedly struggled to find rhythm and create clear-cut chances with any consistency, instead grinding out the result through determination and defensive resilience rather than attacking quality.

> It was a result built on huff and puff rather than fluent football, the report suggested.

## What does this mean for Rangers going forward?

While the win keeps Rangers on course to advance in the Europa Conference League play-off, the underwhelming display raises questions about the team’s attacking cohesion under McInnes ahead of the second leg. Supporters and analysts alike will be watching closely to see whether the side can sharpen its performance when the tie is settled.

## Source

- [BBC Sport Football](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c98v73n24j2o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss) — BBC Sport Football

## Sources
- [BBC Sport Football](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c98v73n24j2o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss)