Saikat Mandal

Mon 8 August 2022 7:10, UK

Kris Commons has suggested that Rangers are a better team than Union Saint-Gilloise and there’s no reason why they cannot win the second leg at Ibrox.

The Gers suffered a shock 2-0 defeat in Belgium in the first leg, but the Sky Sports pundit suggests that Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side can turn it around at Ibrox when the two sides meet on Tuesday (9 August).

Commons also feels that the return of Alfredo Morelos is a “huge boost” for the club. The Colombian returned to action at the weekend against Kilmarnock.

“Despite being two goals down ahead of tomorrow’s return leg against Union Saint-Gilloise, I see no reason why Rangers can’t progress to the play-off round of the Champions League,” wrote Commons in his column for the Scottish Daily Mail (8 August, page 4).

“As well as the Belgians played last week, their 3-0 loss to Mechelen at the weekend should provide a more accurate reflection of their true standing. They are certainly no European heavyweights. Last season, Rangers showed they were capable of beating far bigger names at Ibrox as they made it to the Europa League final.

“With the stadium packed to the rafters, they will back themselves to turn the tie on its head. No player has scored more goals in Europe for Rangers than Alfredo Morelos. After so long out, it’s going to take him a few matches to get fully up to speed but his mere presence tomorrow is a huge boost.

“It’s not just his goal record. His physicality poses different problems to their defenders. He’s a handful. He’ll wind them up and push them about. They won’t be looking forward to facing him. It’s all about how Rangers start. The atmosphere will be electric and they have to feed off that and keep the fans with them.

“The Belgians won’t have experienced anything like it. Far better teams than them have been intimidated by the atmosphere that the big clubs in Glasgow can generate on nights like these. If Rangers score in the first 30 minutes, I think the momentum will turn and they’ll get through with something to spare.”

Bring it on

Last season, Rangers progressed through to the finals of the Europa League by beating some heavyweight clubs including German giants Borussia Dortmund.

Ibrox played a massive role in their 2021-22 Europa League campaign, where the Gers picked up a different gear while playing in front of their home support.

A similar electrifying atmosphere is expected on Tuesday, and it’s up to the players to raise their game.

With the away goal rule scrapped, it’s all about outscoring your opponent. If Rangers can score early, they can definitely go on and win the game.

It is important to stay strong at the back as well. Van Bronckhorst needs to make a bold call here – whether to start with Morelos or continue with Antonio Colak.

Morelos returned to action against Kilmarnock and scored in that game. It will take time for him to get back to full sharpness, but his sheer presence upfront adds a huge boost to the side.

Colak opened his scoring for the Gers after his summer move, and he will be in full confidence as well. Van Bronckhorst will also be hoping that Ryan Kent will shake off his injury and play his part in this crucial game.

In other Rangers news, Michael Stewart was left stunned on BBC Scotland after an incident with the Gers this week.