The Sky Blues fell to defeat in their first fixture back in over four months against Rangers at Ibrox.
City fielded two sides in the game, one for either half and despite heading into the break goalless, goals from Joe Aribo and Connor Goldson gave the hosts the win.
The first opportunity of the game fell to the hosts and it was Borna Barisic down the left who found Ianis Hagi in the box, but his effort was blocked by Declan Drysdale.
Ten minutes on the clock and the Sky Blues forced Alan McGregor into a stop when a ball over the top by Josh Pask was flicked on by Matty Godden for Jordan Shipley and the midfielder got a shot away, but the Rangers ‘keeper saved.
As the two sides battled for possession, chances were few and far between in the first half hour, with the only one of note a header wide from Alfredo Morelos.
The Sky Blues looked to grow into the game and a corner from the left by Gustavo Hamer was well won by Liam Kelly, but his header went over the bar.
Drysdale, who made a block earlier, continued to deny Rangers and this time he put his body on the line to deny Morelos and then seconds later the striker once more.
City thought they would be heading into the break in the lead, but after O’Hare found Shipley, his ball across goal for Godden saw the striker find the back of the net, but he was flagged for offside.
HALF-TIME: Rangers 0-0 Sky Blues
After the break, Rangers would take the lead inside the first five minutes, as Joe Aribo slotted the ball past Ben Wilson from inside the box.
The hosts were denied minutes later when Jordon Thompson made a block inside of the box and the on the follow-up, Drysdale had to be alert to block again.
With 56 minutes on the clock, Ben Wilson was called into action, as he had to get down well to deny Morelos from close range.
City looked to find a way back into the game and came close seconds later through Jodi Jones, as he had a shot inside of the box, which was saved by McGregor.
The Sky Blues continued to push and good work by Amadou Bakayoko saw him win the ball high up the pitch and from a tight angle, he forced McGregor into a good stop.
Up the other end, Ben Wilson was called into action twice in a matter of seconds. Firstly he had to deny Ryan Kent from the edge of the area and then Ianis Hagi.
However, from a resulting corner, Wilson was beaten again as Connor Goldson rose highest to head past the ‘keeper.
Chances were limited in the final 20 minutes, with the Sky Blues going close through Bakayoko with three minutes left on the clock, but his effort was deflected into the side netting.
Goals: Aribo 50’, Goldson 67’
First Half Sky Blues Xl: Marko Marosi (GK), Jack Burroughs, Declan Drysdale, Dom Hyam, Josh Pask, Ryan Giles, Liam Kelly (C), Gustavo Hamer, Jordan Shipley, Callum O'Hare, Matty Godden.
Second Half Sky Blues Xl: Ben Wilson (GK), Jack Burroughs (Rowe 62’), Jordon Thompson, Morgan Williams, Declan Drysdale (Ngandu 68’), Brandon Mason, Josh Eccles, Marcel Hilssner, Jodi Jones, Amadou Bakayoko, Max Biamou.
Unused subs: Cian Tyler, Tom Billson, Jay McGrath, Dan Lafferty, Gervane Kastaneer, Will Bapaga, David Bremang, Jordan Young.
Rangers Xl: Alan McGregor (GK), James Tavernier (72’ Patterson), Connor Goldson, George Edmundson (62’ Helander), Borna Barisic (82’ Bassey), Glen Kamara (85’ McCrorie), Ryan Jack (62’ Arfield), Joe Aribo (82’ Stewart), Ianis Hagi (82’ Murphy), Ryan Kent (82’ Barjonas), Alfredo Morelos (62’ Barker).
Unused subs: McLaughlin, McPake.