Ajax 4-0 Rangers: Scots outclassed by rampant Dutch in Champions League

The return of Rangers to the European Championship was a flop as they were beaten in Amsterdam.

The end of a 12-year absence from Europe's top tournament was marked by a nightmare first half in Amsterdam.

The Europa League runners-up were outclassed by five goals.

The second half strike of Borna Barisic was ruled out by the VAR.

The defeat is the second in a row for Rangers, who lost to Celtic at Parkhead on Saturday.

• Reaction & as it happened

The manager didn't flinch on the eve of the fight. After Saturday's embarrassing loss to Celtic, the Dutch coach was asked about possible changes to his team. Goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin.

We have bounced back from heavy defeats in the past and we have to do the same tomorrow.

His team was down by three at the break and his captain had been taken off.

It was always going to be a big step up after making it to the final. The Rangers were tentative early on. There was a lot going on on a hot night.

The ball was in the Rangers net after Ryan Kent ducked out of a great counter- attack. It should have been dealt with. Instead, he made a two-step move to get away from James.

There were waves of red and white attacks against the Rangers. After one effort was saved and another missed, the second goal came just after the half hour.

Berghuis found a spot on the edge of the Rangers box. His effort looked like it was going to be dealt with by McLaughlin's diving save, but a heavy Sands deflection diverted it away from the goalkeeper.

When Kudus crashed in the third, the F- Side Ultras in the stands were still partying.

James Tavernier was napping when the Rangers captain failed to stop the galloping forward and skelping a thunderous shot across McLaughlin and in off the upright.

It took until the 20th minute of the second half for Rangers to get on the board.

After a lengthy VAR check, it was clear that Kent was a good few yards off the ball in the build-up to the goal.

Bergwijn was going to round McLaughlin with a ropey Ryan Jack backpass.

Player of the match - Mohammed Kudus

Does Van Bronckhorst have to roll the dice? - analysis

It's easy to point out Rangers' defense. As it is to heap praise on a patient Ajax who tied their opponents in knots with intricate triangles and more dropped shoulders than you could shake a stick at.

The phrase "defending starts from the front" is a common one. Rangers weren't at it. Colak barely touched the ball. He was removed at the break after getting little support.

It's clear that Kent is frustrated with just one goal this year. The Rangers need more from him.

Van Bronckhorst spoke about no knee-jerk reactions before the match after the team proved they can dazzle in Europe. He needs a quick response to justify his trust in his team.

Match stats

• Ajax have won each of their last four home games in the Champions League group stage - their best run since December 1995 (also four).
• Rangers conceded three goals in the first half of a Champions League match for the second time, and the first since October 1995 against Juventus.
• They have lost all five European meetings with Ajax, the most they've faced a side in all European competitions without avoiding defeat.
• There were just 106 seconds between Ajax's second (31:14) and third (33:00) goals. It was the earliest the Dutch side have scored three goals from the start of a Champions League match.
• In Connor Goldson, Ryan Kent, John Lundstram and James Tavernier, Rangers were the first non-English club to name as many as four different English players in a starting XI for a Champions League match.

What's next?

The next game for Rangers will be against Aberdeen at Pittodrie on Saturday, with their next game being against Napoli in September.