Rangers and Club Brugge are one step away from one of their seasonal objectives: qualifying for the group stage of next season’s Champions League, which, in addition to being a matter of prestige, would be a breath of fresh air for their respective coffers, given that Europe’s premier club competition has become increasingly lucrative.
The Scots’ journey started from a long way back: they have already had to overcome two significant obstacles, Panathinaikos and Viktoria Plzen, both eliminated thanks to the “home advantage.” At Ibrox, as usual, there was no way through: the Greeks surrendered 2-0, while the Czechs were overwhelmed 3-0.
Rangers stumble in the league
Two resounding victories have essentially allowed Rangers to secure their place in the next round. However, European commitments have distracted the Glasgow club: their start to the league has not been exceptional, with the men led by former Southampton coach Russell Martin picking up only two draws so far, against Motherwell and Dundee.
At home, their only win came last weekend, beating Alloa Athletic 4-2 in the national cup. Club Brugge, on the other hand, are coming off a 1-0 win at Zulte Waregem: this is the Nerazzurri’s third win in the Belgian Pro League, which is already in its fourth round. In the Champions League, Nicky Hayen’s team started in the third round, taking down the more highly rated Salzburg: after narrowly winning the first leg in Austria, Club Brugge risked a comeback in the second leg, but goals from new signing Forbs and Vanaken in the last 10 minutes put things right (3-2).
As for the likely line-ups, Martin is counting on Gassama (four goals in qualifying) and hopes to have former Cremonese player Dessers back, while Club Brugge will be without Ordonez (who is on the verge of leaving, which would be yet another departure this summer) and Skoras, who is struggling with injury.
Odds comparison
The “1X” sign is quoted at 1.52 on Lottomatica and Snai. The “Goal” sign is quoted at 1.55 on Lottomatica and Snai.
- GOLDBET – Up to €3050 for sports and casino with 200% on your first sports deposit up to €1000 MORE INFO
- SNAI – €15 free + 50% on your first deposit up to €30 MORE INFO
- LOTTOMATICA – Up to €3050 for sports and casino with 200% on your first sports deposit up to €1000 MORE INFO
The prediction
Ironically, the two teams faced each other in a friendly match on July 6, which ended 2-2, with Rangers coming back from two goals down in the second half. The feeling is that Club Brugge will once again manage to breach a Scottish defense that has appeared anything but impenetrable, but Russell Martin’s team will in all likelihood avoid defeat in their “fortress,” where they have won 18 of their last 29 home games in the Champions League preliminaries.
Probable line-ups for Rangers-Club Brugge
RANGERS (4-3-3): Butland; Tavernier, Djiga, Souttar, Aarons; Diomande, Cameron, Raskin; Antman, Dessers, Gassama. CLUB BRUGGE (4-2-3-1): Mignolet; Sabbe, Mechele, Spileers, Meijer; Reis, Onyedika; Forbs, Vanaken, Tzolis; Vermant. POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-1