Champions League: Rangers must get something at Ibrox following opening day defeat

The UEFA Champions League returns this midweek for the second round of matches played across the continent on Tuesday and Wednesday. Both halves of the OId Firm divide face crucial matches following heavy defeats in their opening matches in Glasgow and Amsterdam.

Scottish football is dining at European football's head table again, but The Bhoys and Bears choked last time, meaning the pressure is on to get off the mark at the second time of asking. Rangers host Napoli on Wednesday after Celtic visit Shakhtar Donetsk earlier in the day.

Will either or both Glasgow giants get the result their fans demand?

Rangers v Napoli
Wednesday, 20:00
Live on BT Sport

Fans reeling following painful defeats

Rangers season was dealt an early blow when Giovanni van Bronckhorst's team suffered back-to-back defeats. The Ibrox side was blown away by a ruthless Celtic at Parkhead in the first Old Firm Derby of the campaign, losing 4-0. It was a day to forget for the blues in the city's east end, with the result moving the champions five points ahead.

Rangers fans always want to see a response following a poor performance in the Old Firm, and they usually get it. But the side was miles off the pace in Amsterdam last Wednesday on matchday one. Despite eliminating PSV in the playoffs to reach the Champions League, James Tavernier and co crumbled at the Amsterdam Arena, losing 4-0 on a night it could have been more.

Rangers start this match sitting bottom of Group A, with Ajax and Napoli leading the way. A home win for the Gers and victory for Liverpool over Ajax at Anfield would level things up. Rangers are 4.57/2 for victory on the Betfair Exchange while the draw trades at 4.131/10.

Napoli aims to control

Napoli travels to Glasgow, knowing the weight of the home crowd will be against them. Ibrox produces one of the most intimidating and impressive atmospheres in European football. Many big-name teams were caught out by it during the Gers' run to the Europa League final. Managing that will be key to success for the Italians.

The visitors exploded out of the traps last midweek when upsetting the odds to beat Liverpool 4-1 in Italy, catapulting them to the head of Group A. Victory in Glasgow would go some way to solidifying their position, driving the Italians forward. Six points from six would help Napoli move closer to qualification.

Fancy Gil Azzurri to claim another win, piling pressure on their hosts? Napoli trade at 1.855/6. Over 2.5 goals look worth a spot in your midweek multiples at 1.738/11, or you can follow our prediction and back both teams to score at 1.748/11.

Shakhtar Donetsk v Celtic
Wednesday, 17:45
Live on BT Sport

Shakhtar are sitting pretty

Not a lot was expected of Shakhtar Donetsk when dropped into a pool alongside Real Madrid, RB Leipzig and Celtic. It was predicted they would be lucky to get out of this group in one piece, with many pundits believing a third-place finish and spot in the Europa League is the best the underdogs could hope for. But that doesn't look to be the case.

They got off to the perfect start in Germany when hammering RB Leipzig 4-1 at the Red Bull Arena. That result made many followers sit up and take notes, and there looks more to come from the Ukrainians, with fans allowing themselves a chance to dream. The home win for Shakhtar Donetsk is 3.259/4, or you can try the draw at 3.711/4.

Celts are playing catch up

Celtic endured a torrid time of things in Glasgow last Tuesday when suffering a heavy defeat in their opening group game against Real Madrid. There are easier ways to return to the competition, but Celtic held their own during the opening 45 minutes before Madrid went through the gears and cleaned up.

The Bhoys weren't in action at the weekend, meaning it has been more than a week since their last outing. That should help the Scots prepare for this match the best they can, but it's unlikely we'll see them leaving Ukraine with all three points. You can try Celtic at 2.3211/8. Over 2.5 goals make sense with 1.814/5 trading.