STEVEN GERRARD is confident Rangers can raise their levels and complete a Champions League turnaround against Malmo next week.
The Light Blues are on the back foot in their third qualifying round tie after a 2-1 defeat in Sweden that leaves them with it all to do in the return leg at Ibrox.
A last-minute effort from Steven Davis has given Gerrard's side a chance after quickfire goals from Soren Rieks and Veljko Birmancevic threatened to bring a premature end to their Champions League campaign.
There was little between the teams overall in the Eleda Stadium and Gerrard knows Rangers will have to produce an improved performance if they are to clinch a play-off berth.
Gerrard said: “We prepared for a high press and we prepared for an aggressive team, and a team that works extremely hard.
“We prepared for quality in the No.10 positions and I thought the No. 9 played very well as well. So we prepared for what came out way.
“We just didn’t handle it in our best way - we didn’t put in a performance which was at Rangers’ level.
“But hopefully next week we’ll improve and I’m sure we can find the performance we need.
“It was good play from Malmo at the start of the second half. You have to pay respect to their play as they scored two good goals.
“But from my perspective it was obviously very disappointing with our defending. We lost our way as a team for four or five minutes.
“When we concede the first it’s important the leaders in the team get control and stay calm.
"But we lost our way twice in a short space of time. And at this level, against good players, you get punished.”
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