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Smith saw his side swept aside by Stuttgart at Ibrox
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Manager Walter Smith conceded that Rangers had been found wanting as they crashed out of Europe after a 2-0 home Champions League defeat to Stuttgart.
"We've not been good enough when the expectation level has been for us to go and win a game," admitted Smith.
"We haven't been good enough and we have to take that on board.
"There are no excuses from us. The home matches have all ended up in a similar fashion regardless of the systems we have played."
Rangers needed to win to have any chance of progressing in the tournament or reaching the Europa League spot but a third home loss in Group G leaves them stranded at the bottom of the section with just two points from their travels.
The loss to the Germans was not quite as humbling as the back-to-back 4-1 defeats to Sevilla and Unirea Urziceni in Glasgow but it leaves the final game in Spain meaningless.
Kris Boyd was handed his first ever start in a Champions League group game and the striker squandered a wonderful opportunity to haul Rangers back into the game at the close of the first half.
However, Smith refused to single out the moment as pivotal, with goals from Sebastian Rudy and Zdravko Kuzmanovic sealing a comfortable win for Stuttgart.
"We've had opportunities like that in all our home games," said Smith.
"We can't say that was a turning point in the game. It was a chance for us to get back into the game. It was there for us.
"But this match was very similar to the previous two home matches we've had and that's been a problem.
"We've looked far more comfortable away from home than we have at home. Away from home, maybe the expectation is not as great in terms of having to go forward and win the game.
"Even our possession away from home has been better and that's been a disappointment for us."
Smith did single out Allan McGregor for praise after the Rangers goalkeeper produced several excellent saves to prevent another heavy home defeat.
"He has been doing really well for us at the moment and his form is terrific," said Smith.
"If there is a better goalkeeper around, I've yet to see him. It's the one thing we know we have got and that's an exceptionally good goalie."
Smith opted to leave Madjid Bougherra on the bench after the defender returned late from international duty for the third time this season at the weekend.
But he did not regret the selection, saying: "It was a fairly straightforward decision to make."
The win has resurrected Stuttgart's own campaign and delighted boss Markus Babbel's only complaint was that they did not leave Glasgow with a larger victory.
"It was a really good game," said the former Liverpool defender.
"I'm happy with the way we played. We were aggressive and we won our one-on-ones. The only hitch is that we could have scored more.
"Overall, I am happy and satisfied with the team. We had a good performance and it was very difficult for Rangers to create chances.
"I'm very proud of my team, they did a good job."
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