The first round of what is in all likelihood the main event in these qualifying play-offs for the next Champions League did not disappoint expectations. Rangers and Psv Eindhoven did not skimp on spectacle on a stage as important as Ibrox. They played against each other, creating an exciting match full of twists and turns. In Scotland it ended 2-2, a result that leaves everything in the balance as far as qualification is concerned, which will then be decided in the Netherlands. Midway through the first half, Psv had taken the lead through Sangaré, but a wild Colak had almost immediately equalised.
Rangers then attempted a breakaway in the second half, overturning Ruud van Nistelrooy’s line-up with midfielder Lawrence, but ten minutes from the end came Obispo’s final equaliser. The Dutch will try to exploit the home factor: at home, they have always won in the two matches they have played since the start of the season. They also had an away draw against Monaco in the previous round, but in the return match they managed to beat the Principality side in a pyrotechnic 3-2 victory.
Psv rested at the weekend due to the postponement of their match against Volendam. However, the Scottish side could not afford it as they were held to a draw by Hibernian after Morelos and Lundstram were sent off. It was the second draw in a row for the men led by Giovanni van Bronckhorst – van Nistelrooy’s former team-mate – whose only defeat was against Saint-Gilloise in the previous round (Belgians then overturned at Ibrox).
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How to watch PSV Eindhoven-Rangers in free streaming
John van Bronckhorst
PSV Eindhoven-Rangers is scheduled for Wednesday at 21:00. The match, valid for the return leg of the qualifying play-offs for the group stage of the Champions League 2022-23, will be streamed live on Amazon Prime Video. The commentary will be provided by Sandro Piccinini, with technical commentary by Massimo Ambrosini. Subscribing to the platform, which like last year has exclusive rights to sixteen Champions League Wednesday matches, costs €4.99 per month or €49.90 per year. Those who have not yet subscribed can activate a free thirty-day trial
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The Prediction
It’s shaping up to be another ‘popcorn’ game, in which the two teams won’t save as they did in the first leg. Rangers are less fearsome away from Ibrox, it is true. But they have shown that they have what it takes to trouble the Dutch defence, which is not always reliable. In short, there should be no shortage of goals – at least three in total are likely to be scored – in a challenge that sees the team led by the former Real Madrid and Manchester United scorer as slight favourites.
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PSV Eindhoven-Rangers matchday squad
PSV EINDHOVEN (4-3-3): Benitez; Teze, Ramalho, Obispo, Max; Sangaré, Veerman, Gutierrez; Saibari, De Jong, Gakpo.
RANGERS (4-3-3): McLaughlin; Tavernier, Goldson, Sands, Barisic; Lundstram, Davis, Jack; Tillman, Colak, Kenta.
