Rangers eliminated from Conference League after shootout loss to Jablonec

Rangers manager Derek McInnes expressed deep embarrassment after his team was eliminated from the UEFA Conference League on Thursday night, losing a penalty shootout 4-3 to Czech side FK Jablonec following a 1-1 draw after extra time. The defeat, which occurred at Stadion Strelnice on August 27, 2026, means the Scottish club will not play European football this season, marking their earliest exit from continental competition since 2017.

Rangers entered the second leg of the playoff holding a 1-0 advantage from the first match at Ibrox Stadium. However, they struggled to create opportunities in the Czech Republic and were punished when Jablonec midfielder Vakhtang Tchanturishvili scored in the 73rd minute to level the aggregate score at 1-1. The match proceeded to extra time, where no further goals were scored, leading to a penalty shootout.

During the shootout, Rangers goalkeeper Ivor Pandur saved a penalty from Jablonec's Filip Zorvan, giving the visitors an early advantage. However, Rangers attackers Findlay Curtis and James Penrice both failed to convert their attempts. Jablonec's Jan Chramosta then scored the decisive penalty to secure the win for the home side.