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BBC Sport journalist moots Rangers ‘problem’ in clash v Real Betis as ‘fabulous’ verdict shared
Rangers could have a “problem” when it comes to defending in their upcoming match against Real Betis, according to BBC Sport’s Alasdair Lamont.
The Gers take on the Spanish outfit in their Europa League group stage opener at Ibrox on Thursday (21 September).
Betis go into the match on the back of a 5-0 defeat to Barcelona in La Liga on Saturday (16 September), with Rangers defeating St Johnstone 2-0 on the same day.
“Defensively, Betis look like they can be troubled, with Marc Bartra and on-loan Barcelona youngster Chadi Riad making their first appearances of the season on Saturday,” Lamont wrote for BBC Sport (20 September).
“So there could be goals in this game for Rangers. The problem will be ensuring fewer go in at the other end. Abde Ezzalzouli, a £6million signing from Barcelona, also made his debut at the weekend and allied to Perez, Brazilian winger Luiz Henrique and either Willian Jose or Borja Iglesias up front, they will surely create opportunities.
“Nonetheless, Ibrox has been the venue for some fabulous European nights in recent times and Thursday could yet be added to that list.”
Goals incoming?
There looks certain to be goals between these two clubs, but Rangers will be desperate to avoid a repeat of their recent encounter with PSV.
Scoring twice in their Champions League qualifying play-off first leg with the Dutch outfit, the Gers then found the net once in the return leg.
The problem, however, was that their opponents scored seven goals across the two legs to secure a thumping aggregate win.
Rangers manager Michael Beale needs to ensure his defence are much more focused this time around, but he will also want his attackers to be on top form.
An intriguing match is on the cards, with Betis either downbeat and lacking in confidence after their thrashing by Barcelona, or full of energy and keen to bounce back as soon as possible.
Fortunately for the hosts, it is a European match under the lights at Ibrox, meaning the home supporters should be in full voice throughout the 90 minutes.
In other Rangers news, Jim White has shared an “underachieving” Gers verdict live on talkSPORT.