Martin’s team selection raised eyebrows again as captain James Tavernier and midfielder Nicolas Raskin both started on the bench.
Asked about the decision to drop Belgium midfielder Raskin pre-match, the Rangers boss said wanted to play the “freshest” and “most attacking” team available to him.
That plan was binned within eight minutes after Nicolo Tresoldi’s early opener was followed by right-back Max Aarons’ red card.
“Madness” was how Martin described Rangers’ start in Bruges. “There’s so much self-inflicted pain. Our response to disappointment is so poor.”
Following the 3-1 first-leg defeat last week, Martin insisted his side would never again concede the manner of goals his team lost in a calamitous first half at Ibrox.
Eight days later, against the same opponent, his team were five down by the break. They were six down by minute 50.
“I don’t think we’ll be beat 6-0 again,” was Martin’s view after this one.
Former Rangers striker Billy Dodds was fearing the worst as Brugge’s second hit the back of the net. “This could get really embarrassing,” he said on BBC Sportsound.
Three goals and 15 minutes later, the ex-Ibrox coach added: “It’s not a nice night to be here and witness this as a Scottish football fan – they’re getting ripped apart.”
By the full-time whistle, Dodds was “losing the will to find words”.
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