RANGERS fell to defeat in their final pre-season outing this evening as a talented Levante side ran out 2-0 winners in soaring temperatures in Spain.
The fixture brought an end to the side’s pre-season training camp in south eastern Spain, with the side now shifting their attentions to next weekend’s league opener away to Aberdeen.
The Light Blues were undone in the first half by Levante forward Ivonne Chacon, who netted twice in a first half controlled by the Spanish side.
However, it was a much improved second half showing from the Gers, who were unfortunate not to level with the number of opportunities created.
Rangers lined up with starts for summer signings Leah Eddie, Liv McLoughlin and Katie Wilkinson.
But from the outset Levante were the sharper of the two teams, taking the lead when a cross to the far post reached Chacon and, after the forward was initially denied by the feet of Jenna Fife, she stroked home the rebound.
One soon became two following the water break, with Chacon racing clear of the Gers defence and dispatching beyond Fife.
Rangers had the opportunity to reduce the arrears before the interval when Kirsty Howat breached the Levante rearguard, but with only the goalkeeper to beat, her curled finish was tipped onto the far post.
Half-time appeared to spark the Gers into action, with the introduction of Rio Hardy and Brogan Hay injecting life into the visitors.
Hardy immediately linked with Howat to engineer a response for the Light Blues, but the former shot straight at the goalkeeper.
The substitute went close once again beyond the hour mark, but from a tight angle she once again could only direct her effort straight down the throat of the Spanish side’s goalkeeper.
There was also a chance for McLoughlin as the midfielder swept onto a loose ball at the edge of the penalty area, although her effort was off target.
Rangers continued to push for a goal to halve the deficit as the trio of Academy players, May Cruft, Lily Boyce and Sophie Black, were introduced in midfield.
However, the goal which would have set up an interesting final stanza never arrived as Levante stood tall in a strong pre-season test for the Gers.
LEVANTE: Holmgren, Estela, M. Molina, Alonso, P. Fernandez, Erika, Martin Sosa, Gabaldo, R. Carrasco, A. Torroda, Chacon
RANGERS: Fife, Docherty (Boyce, 86), Eddie (Black, 86), Hill (Middag, 64), Howat (Berry, 45), McAulay (Hay, 45), Arnot (Austin, 75), Cornet, Maclean (Trialist, 75), McLoughlin (Cruft, 75), Wilkinson (Hardy, 45)