Gers were competitive throughout against a top-quality side, but a Moussa Diaby strike six minutes into the second half was the difference between the two teams.
From the side which faced Aberdeen on Saturday, out went the ineligible Leon Balogan, the suspended Glen Kamara and Ianis Hagi, with their places taken in the XI by Swedish
International Filip Helander for his first start since December following injury, Northern Ireland captain Steven Davis, and Brandon Barker.
While the home side had much of the early play, on six minutes, it was Gers who created the first opening of the game.
Super work in midfield from Ryan Kent turned the ball over and sent Borna Barisic scarpering down the left. Alfredo Morelos was arriving into space in the box, but the Croatian’s ball was just too hot to handle for Morelos on his chest and the chance disappeared.
Leverkusen were playing an incredibly high line, meaning any time Gers got the opportunity to put the ball in-behind for one of Barker, Alfredo Morelos or Ryan Kent, they looked to do it.
The outstanding talent of Kai Havertz got his first opportunity on 16 minutes, flashing a wicked shot off the crossbar at the back-post, before six minutes later, he had a gilt-edged chance.
Going through one-on-one with McGregor from a Lars Bender through-ball, you expected the net to bulge. The Gers goalkeeper did well, however to close the space and Havertz slipped his effort wide of the target.
Such was the heat inside the BayArena – with temperatures touching 33 degrees and there not being a breath of wind – the Dutch referee called for a drinks break midway through the half, with the scores still level on the night and Gers giving a good account of themselves to that point.
In a similar effort to Havertz’ earlier strike, Moussa Diaby volleyed over at the back stick as half-time approached, while the returning Helander made a wonder block from Florian Wirtz as Leverkusen broke four-on-three on Gers.
Into the second half, and Gers began with plenty of possession, but they were undone on 51 minutes with Moussa Diaby grabbing the opening goal.
He latched onto a long through-ball and fired high beyond the advancing Allan McGregor and into the roof of the net.
It was a blow for Gers naturally, but at that point, it didn’t really change anything in terms of the game as their task of requiring three goals remained the same.
McGregor kept the visitors in it with a super save with his feet from Havertz at close range before Gerrard shook his team up on the hour mark, replacing Barker with Hagi.
Scott Arfield and Jordan Jones followed soon after, coming on for Ryan Kent and Steven Davis.
Connor Goldson had a back-post header on the end of a Barisic free-kick which Edmond Tapsoba did superbly to clear off the line as Gerrard’s men threatened to get back into matters.
Nathan Patterson was handed a European debut against quality opponents on 77 minutes, being joined at that stage by Greg Stewart, the duo replacing James Tavernier and Morelos.
Chances were few and far between in the final stages – but Gers can bow out with their heads held high following an excellent Euro showing this season.
It’s back to Scotland and St Mirren at Ibrox on Sunday.
RANGERS: McGregor, Tavernier (Patterson, 77) Helander, Goldson, Jack, Davis (Arfield, 68), Kent (Jones, 68), Aribo, Morelos (Stewart, 77), Barker (Hagi, 60), Barisic.
SUBS NOT USED: Firth, Edmundson, McCrorie, Barjonas, Mayo.
BAYER 04 LEVERKUSEN: Hradecky, S Bender (Tah, 77), L Bender (Dragovic, 68), Tapsoba, Diaby (Bailey, 68), Aranguiz, Sinkgraven, Palacios, Wirtz (Baumgartlinger, 68), Havertz, Volland.
SUBS: Ozcan, Lomb, Alario, Wendell.