Derek McInnes under pressure as Rangers set to miss out on Europe after Jablonec defeat | OneFootball

Derek McInnes’ miserable start to life as Rangers manager continued on Thursday as Rangers lost 4-3 on penalties to Czech side Jablonec after the tie ended 1-1 on aggregate.

Rangers won 1-0 in the first leg at Ibrox Stadium, but could not build on the advantage, as Jablonec cranked up the pressure early on.

Lamin Jawo squandered a big chance to give the hosts the lead, failing to convert one-on-one with goalkeeper Ivor Pandur.

Jawo was made to rue his earlier miss when Tochi Chukwuani was presented with a chance to give Rangers the lead, but the midfielder could only head straight at Jan Hanus with a weak effort.

Jablonec continued to dominate with Jawo and Matej Polidar forcing Pandur to make crucial saves before half-time.

McInnes introduced Findlay Curtis, Lawrence Shankland and Connor Barron after the break in an attempt to change the momentum.

However, the Scottish giants continued to play on the back foot and their one-goal cushion was eventually wiped out in the 73rd minute.

Vakhtang Tchanturishvili showed good feet to dribble past left-back James Penrice before firing into the bottom-right corner, levelling the tie for Jablonec.

Jan Chramosta fluffed an opportunity to score the winner in extra time for the hosts, sending the game to penalties.

Rangers led early in the shootout, only for Findlay Curtis and James Penrice to miss their final two penalties.

The Gers are now set to miss out on European competition for the first time since the 2017/18 season.

McInnes is now under increasing pressure ahead of Rangers’ league game at Aberdeen on Sunday.

He has won just two of his seven games as Rangers’ boss, drawing two and losing three.