Borussia humiliated at home: Rangers score 4 goals at Signal Iduna Park

The Millionaires have crashed out from the Champions League group stage and went into the Europa League, but tonight, they showed that even Europe's second competition was too much for them. Borussia was sunk at home to Rangers, a famous European team but from a Scottish two-team league, which is even more embarrassing. Marko Rose's team was again without Erling Haaland, but they have won many games without him, so his absence cannot be used as excuse. The problem with this team is the same as it was at the beginning of the season – defense. After loosing three games in the Champions League with 3 or more goals, they continued with woeful defensive display and lost the first leg of the knockout phase: Borussia – Rangers 2-4.

The game finished, but Borussia's sporting director Michael Zorc was captured still sitting in his seat, looking totally numb. Was he wrong to appoint Marco Rose as the coach? Should he have bought more defenders before the start of the season? He will have a sleepless night for sure, as some of his players too. Borussia was kicked out from the Champions League due to some heavy defeats: 4-0 and 3-1 from Ajax and 3-1 from Sporting and tonight they again conceded four goals. This loss is even more curious since Borussia managed to win away in Berlin against tricky Union during the weekend in Bundesliga, and recorded the first clean sheet after two months. Marco Rose's future will be assessed after this game for sure.

The game started with Rangers chance. Borna Barišić had an excellent chance in the 10th minute, when he came through three players like they were butter and was alone with Dortmund keeper Kobel, but he saved a certain goal with his foot. And that was just the signs of things to come. After two half-chances from Marco Reus, his teammate Zagadou clearly handballed in the penalty area, and VAR also confirmed it. Rangers captain Tavernier was precise and Rangers took the lead and never looked back. In fact, they needed only 3 minutes to shock tjhe Signal Iduna Park when Alfredo Morelos, the Scottish answer to Haaland scored the second goal.

Midfield players, and the most experienced ones, Witsel and Brandt were subbed at half-time, but it didn't help. In the 49th minute, it was already 3-0. Kent caused haos in Borussia's defense and then feed Lundstram, who was the scorer. A glimmer of home came after two minutes, when Jude Bellingham scored a beautiful volley, but another counter attack three minutes later was again faitful for Borussia, as Morelos took the shot from the left, but the ball bounced off Zagadou for 4-1. The hosts managed to score another goal in the 82nd minute, but it was too late for any comeback.

UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE

Play-off round, first leg

Thursday

Barcelona - Napoli 1-1 (0-1)

/Torres 59 pen - Zielinski 29/

Borussia Dortmund - Rangers 2-4 (0-2)

/Bellingham 51, Guerreiro 82 - Tavernier 38 pen, Morelos 41, Lundstram 49, Zagadou 54 og/

Sheriff - Braga 2-0 (1-0)

/Thill 43 pen, Traore 83/

Zenit - Real Betis 2-3 (2-3)

/Dzyuba 25, Malcom 28 - Rodriguez 8, Willian Jose 18, Guardado 41/

Sevilla - Dinamo Zagreb 3-1 (3-1)

/Rakitic 13 pen, Ocampos 44, Martial 45+1 - Orsic 41/

Atalanta - Olympiacos 2-1 (0-1)

/Djimsiti 61, 63 - Soares 16/

RB Leipzig - Real Sociedad 2-2 (1-1)

/Nkunku 30, Forsberg 82 pen - Le Normand 8, Oyarzabal 64 pen/

Porto - Lazio 2-1 (1-1)

/Martinez 37, 49 - Zaccagni 23/