Rangers kicked off their Scottish Premiership campaign with an unexpected and frustrating draw against Motherwell at Fir Park, marking a less than ideal start for new manager Russell Martin.

The visitors, Rangers FC, initially seized the advantage in the 14th minute when skipper James Tavernier expertly headed home from a corner. However, despite the early lead, Russell Martin’s side struggled to establish any real rhythm or dominance throughout the match, appearing disjointed in their attacking play and vulnerable at the back.

This Premiership opener followed a taxing midweek Champions League third qualifying round victory over Panathinaikos, a tie in which Rangers carried a significant amount of luck over both legs. The fatigue from European commitments potentially played a role in their flat domestic performance.

On the other side, Motherwell’s new boss, Jens Berthel Askou, a former teammate of Martin’s at Norwich, was overseeing his first league fixture. He will undoubtedly be pleased with his side’s persistent effort and resilience, as they consistently pushed forward even when it seemed their efforts might not yield results.

The dropped points mean Rangers could quickly find themselves trailing Old Firm rivals Celtic, who were set to host St Mirren the following day. Such an early setback puts immediate pressure on the Ibrox club in the tightly contested Scottish Premiership title race.

Rangers did show glimpses of attacking threat, with attacker Djeidi Gassama, making his first start in place of Findlay Curtis, curling a shot wide after receiving a pass from Brazilian striker Danilo. Danilo himself later struck the bar from 25 yards out, narrowly missing a spectacular goal.

As the game progressed, Motherwell FC visibly grew in confidence. Their improved assertiveness led to clear chances, including a powerful low drive from McGinn into the Gers box, which required a diving save from Rangers goalkeeper Butland, with John Souttar completing the crucial clearance.

Ultimately, the draw at Fir Park represents a significant missed opportunity for Rangers to lay down an early marker in the league. It highlights areas for improvement for Russell Martin as he navigates the demanding challenges of the Scottish Premiership.