RANGERS faced a strong test in their final pre-season match this morning as they lost 2-0 to Atletico Madrid in Spain.
Gers met the Primera Division side at the Pinatar Arena as part of their warm weather training camp ahead of the start of the Scottish Women’s Premier League season on Sunday.
It was a good display from Malky Thomson’s side in soaring temperatures as they competed against one of the top Spanish sides.
Victoria Esson started in goal with a back four of Rachel McLauchlan, Tessel Middag, Kathryn Hill and Nicola Docherty.
Chelsea Cornet and Sam Kerr were joined in midfield by new signing Jenny Danielsson, while Lizzie Arnot and Dina Orschmann supported striker Kayla McCoy.
Rangers had some good passages of play in the opening minutes as Kayla McCoy’s ball across the face of goal caused problems for the Atletico defence but no one was on hand to get a shot away for Gers.
Atlletico also looked threatening as a ball forward to Ludmila sent her through on goal but Vic Esson reacted quickly to clear the danger.
Ludmila had another chance shortly after as Maitane fed the ball through to the striker but her right-footed shot from a tight angle hit the side netting.
It was the Spanish side who had the breakthrough 10 minutes before the break, Ainhoa Moraza whipped a ball into the box from the left with Ludmila on hand to turn behind the opener in this match.
Brogan Hay, Kirsty Maclean, Emma Watson and Jenna Fife were introduced at half-time with Dina Orschmann, Jenny Danielsson, Rachel McLauchlan and Victoria Esson being replaced.
Lizzie Arnot had a shot held by the keeper as Rangers looked for a goal early in the second-half before Esther Gonzalez created space for herself on the edge of the box to get a sight at goal but her effort bounced wide of Jenna Fife’s right-hand post.
Brogan Hay made a great run down the right to deliver a dangerous ball into the box but it was turned behind by Atletico.
It was 2-0 to the hosts in the final stages of the match as a Rangers clearance broke for Atletico and striker Karla drilled a low ball beyond Fife.
Attention now turns to Sunday and the kick-off of the Scottish Women’s Premier League.
RANGERS: Esson (Fife, 46), McLauchlan (Watson, 46), Middag, Hill, Docherty (Cavanagh, 75), Cornet (Austin, 83), Kerr (Jardine, 83), Danielsson (Maclean, 46), Arnot (McLeary, 60), Orschman (Hay, 46), McCoy (Howat, 60).
Atletico: Lola, Xenia, Moraza, Zafra, Cinta, Maitane, Ludmila, Lauris, Nerea, Sara, Hanna
Subs: Sheila, Menayo, Irene, Karla, Dana, Gonzalez, Sanchez, Virginia, Yoli, Cardona.
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