Bajrami shines as Rangers beat Alloa in Cup opener

Rangers start their League Cup campaign with a 4-2 win over Alloa as Nedim Bajrami’s opener stands out amid a broader pattern of lineup changes.

Bajrami shines as Rangers beat Alloa in Cup opener

Rangers kicked off their Scottish League Cup campaign with a 4-2 win over Alloa Athletic at Ibrox, a result that comes with questions about form and selection under manager Russell Martin. Nedim Bajrami curled in the opening goal from outside the box, a moment of quality that briefly suggested the visitors might be overwhelmed, though the match soon proved the team is still finding its balance.

Alloa equalised 12 minutes later and showed resilience, but Rangers moved ahead again thanks to new signing Emmanuel Fernandez. James Tavernier and Findlay Curtis added late goals to seal the points. The match also highlighted the rotation in Martin’s squad, with regulars from last season alongside players on the periphery such as Nico Raskin, Mohamed Diomande, and 19-year-old Nasser Djiga getting minutes. Bajrami has not always hit top form since arriving in Glasgow, but the opening goal kept him in the frame for more opportunities this season.

The result provides a temporary lift, yet the underlying tension around Martin’s selections persists. Fans have grown wary of a system that leans on fringe players while new signings settle in, a pattern the club will need to balance if they want sustained progress. The Cup offers a chance to build confidence and chemistry, but it also amplifies scrutiny over who gets the most game time and why.

If Rangers want a smoother transition this season, they must blend last season’s core with fresh faces in a way that feels purposeful rather than reactive. The coming fixtures will reveal whether Bajrami and the other new arrivals can translate potential into consistent performances or if the doubts around the manager’s approach deepen.

Highlights

The season will test who Rangers trust to carry the burden when results matter most.