Rangers Colts were knocked out of the UEFA Youth League earlier this afternoon but fans were full of praise for Graeme Murty’s side after their defeat by Atletico Madrid – althought not all fans were quite so positive.
After seeing off Young Boys and Slovan Bratislava, the Gers were drawn against Atletico, who finished runners-up to Juventus in the Champions League pathway, for a spot in the last 16.
FULL-TIME: Rangers 0-4 Atletico Madrid
After a good run our @UEFAYouthLeague journey comes to an end. pic.twitter.com/cUjHrBrHo2
— Rangers Youth Academy (@RFC_Youth) February 12, 2020
An early mistake left the Gers 1-0 down after six minutes before three goals after the break sealed a comfortable victory for the Spanish giants and secured their place in Friday’s draw in Nyon.
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With the Gers running away with the under-18 CAS league again this year, there will almost certainly be a quick return to the competition one way or the other as the Academy continues to impress.
(Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Despite losing 4-0, fans were largely positive and many had praise for the young side in the club’s first appearance in the tournament since it started in 2013.
One Atletico player, Rodrigo Riquelme was also singled out for praise by fans after a fantastic performance from the teenager who was easily the best player on show at Firhill.
Here are some of the comments from Rangers fans on Twitter:
Sometimes you have to admit the opposition were better & today was one of those days. Atletico were excellent & deserved to win that game by 4-0
— Willy (@SpatestonBear2) February 12, 2020
Testing game for young Gers Reality check for those thinking the young guns are ready for first team action
— Alan Carmichael (@AlanC_44) February 12, 2020
Not much to write home about in the second half. Atletico were by far the better team. Riquelme in particular was outstanding and was deservedly applauded off the pitch
— Revan (@Revan1872) February 12, 2020
Hopefully some lessons for the young team today. Every goal from Atletico the result of poor decision-making, which is to be expected. Atletico had some superior quality in some areas too, of course. Kai Kennedy Rangers' best player, by a long way.
— BIG BUFF FAN (@CemetryGates89) February 12, 2020
Young team getting a bit of a going over tbh. Atletico look very good tbf.
— Ninj. (@NinjaMan54) February 12, 2020
A learning curve for the players against a top youth side
A great run and effort by all involved 👏🏻
— Four Lads Had a Dream (@4ladshadadream) February 12, 2020
Oh well. Boys did great to get this far. Will learn a lot from it.
— Joe 'wotta' Anderson 🏴⚽️🎮 (@_wotta) February 12, 2020
Still a cracking effort by the troops and management #proud 🔴⚪️🔵
— SMITHY (@smithycrs921) February 12, 2020