Axel Witsel sends warning to Rangers ahead of Europa League clash
Borussia Dortmund midfielder Axel Witsel has insisted that their Europa League hopes are not over yet ahead of Thursday’s [24 February] clash against Rangers at Ibrox.
The German giants were ripped apart in the first-leg by Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side as they won 4-2 away from home.
While the Gers have one foot in the last 16, the Belgium international has sent a warning that they still have got enough firepower to turn it around.
Witsel said, as quoted by Daily Record: “We have not put ourselves in an easy position for the game in Glasgow – but we can’t believe the tie is over.
“The tie is not over we will not accept that. We have the quality to go and produce a big result.
“It doesn’t matter that we have injuries our squad is big enough and has enough quality to cope.”
Difficult
It is understandable that Witsel wants to bring positivity into the side ahead of this big clash, but Dortmund are indeed facing an uphill task.
The visitors could be without their talisman striker Erling Haaland for this game, while the likes of Gio Reyna and Dan-Axel Zagadou both limping off in Sunday’s win over Borussia Monchengladbach.
They won the tie 6-0 where German ace Marco Reus scored twice.
In the first leg, Rangers capitalised on their mistakes and punished them heavily.
Dortmund are likely to expect an intimidating atmosphere in Glasgow, and it won’t be easy for them to get a positive result.
The Bundesliga giants need to score at least two-goal to take them to extra time, whereas a three-goal margin would see them progress through.
However, the equation could change if Rangers can score one or two goals.
The Gers are heading into this game on the back of a 1-1 draw against Dundee United and they will be looking for a response.
In other Rangers news, the club could be set for a seven-figure windfall if they can hold off Borussia Dortmund in the Europa League on Thursday.