Rangers v Union Saint-Gilloise
Tuesday, 19:45
Live on Premier Sports
Huge night in Govan
Rangers host Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise in the second leg of this Champions League qualifier at Ibrox on Tuesday, with the visitors out to protect their 2-0 aggregate advantage gained from the first leg.
After reaching the final of the Europa League in May, Giovanni van Bronkhorst's side face being turfed out of Europe's elite tournament at the earliest opportunity. Eliminated by Malmo in the same competition last summer, the heat is on as we prepare for another huge night in Govan.
Warm-up win for the hosts
Rangers bagged three points on Saturday in their first Scottish Premiership match at Ibrox of the new season. GvB's team opened their title challenge with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Livingston last weekend, battling back from a goal down to snatch the points courtesy of a quickfire double from Scott Arfield and captain James Tavernier.
That potentially crushing 2-0 loss in Belgium followed before Gers returned to winning ways by beating a dogged and determined Kilmarnock in Govan just three days ago. The visitors proved a tough nut to crack, but new striker Antonio Colak broke the deadlock with an inch-perfect strike on 51 minutes before making way for fans' favourite Alfredo Morelos who notched a second.
Union beaten on their travels
While their opponents went through the motions in that routine win over Killie, Union Saint-Gilloise were battered in their warm-up by Mechelen in the Belgian First Division A. It was a match Karel Geraerts' team was expected to win, but they were blown away, 1-0 at the break before two early goals in the second half put the game to bed.
That was a road trip to forget for Union, and they travel to Glasgow targeting improvement on Tuesday, hoping the 2-0 aggregate lead from the first leg is enough to see them through. That cushion was achieved thanks to goals from Teddy Teuma and Dante Vanzeir, and the Belgians are expected to shut up shop and protect that lead.
Back the Bears
Rangers were rotten in Belgium last week, which was a huge shock to fans, pundits and those who watched the match live on TV. It was, perhaps, the worst the team has performed with Gio at the helm, but the boss will demand better, and I believe he'll get it.
We saw last season how a capacity crowd at Ibrox on a big European night could boost the players to another level, and they will rise to the occasion again. Morelos being back in the side gives everyone a lift, and the Colombian will make the difference.
Back Rangers to win and progress to the next round at 4.03/1, which makes more appeal than the 1.292/7 about Union Saint-Gilloise going through. Rangers must win by two or more, making over 2.5 goals a smart play at 2.01/1.