With interim boss Steven Davis taking the sacked Michael Beale’s spot on the touchline, Rangers fans could be forgiven for believing that their turbulent run of form was coming to an end, but the hosts had other ideas.
Direct and threatening from the first whistle, Aris were in front less than 10 minutes into their first-ever European home match, with Alex Moucketou-Moussounda rising from the turf and steering a pinpoint header into the far corner.
Smelling blood, the reigning Cypriot champions should have gone two up moments later, when Leo Bengtsson scrambled over the bar from close range.
It wasn’t until midway through the half that Rangers showed the first flickers of life, with Cyriel Dessers’ slotted finish ruled out for a marginal offside.
And while in-form Abdallah Sima saw his powerful header saved by Vaná, the cluster of chances sent Davis’ side into the dressing rooms with renewed belief.
Those feelings were dashed less than a quarter of an hour after the restart, as a simple low cross was enough to undo the Rangers defence and allow Shavy Babicka to turn in.
Having notched goals against Real Betis in the group-stage opener and Aberdeen on Saturday, Sima was always likely to be the danger man for the visitors, and so it proved when the chips were down.
After stinging Vaná’s fingertips with a bullet from outside the box, a deep cross finally saw the 22-year-old find the net with a classy header to reduce the arrears, but it was too little, too late for the dejected Gers.
The result leaves UEL Group C finely poised, with all four teams now level on three points. Rangers will hope that several key stars recover in time for their next European assignment - a trip to face Sparta Prague in three weeks’ time - while Aris are set to host Betis.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Leo Bengtsson (Aris Limassol)
