Kris Boyd fears for Rangers before a ball is even kicked vs Club Brugge
Kris Boyd laid out his concerns for Rangers against Club Brugge before a ball had even been kicked at Ibrox.
Russell Martin has thrived in the Champions League, progressing against Panathinaikos and Viktoria Plzen.
However, the Gers’ league form has been underwhelming, and they have already lost significant ground on Celtic.
Now, speaking ahead of a crucial night for the Light Blues, former Rangers player Kris Boyd has expressed his worries.
Kris Boys worries for Rangers in the Champions League
Ironically, Rangers faced Club Brugge in Martin’s very first match as boss in a pre-season friendly at Ibrox.
After going two goals down, the Bears were able to salvage a 2-2 draw, thanks to goals from Mohamed Diomande and Findlay Curtis.
Jayden Meghoma has replaced Jefte in Martin’s squad to face the Belgian side and will make his debut at left-back.
Club Brugge are no strangers to the Champions League and reached the Round of 16 last season, to be beaten by Aston Villa.
Indeed, they have reached the group stage, now called the league phase, in four of the last five campaigns.
| Season | Champions League progress |
| 2020/21 | Group stage |
| 2021/22 | Group stage |
| 2022/23 | Round of 16 |
| 2023/24 | Semi-finals |
| 2024/25 | Round of 16 |
As for Rangers, they have provided plenty of upsets in Europe in recent years and will be eyeing another one.
However, even if the Glasgow club were to progress, Boyd is not exactly looking at it positively.
“Everything right now is going against Rangers domestically,” said Boyd on Sky Sports News (19 August, 7:08pm)
“If you qualify for the Champions League, everyone will be delighted because of the finances. But you do fear for Rangers if they get there because it’s a huge step up.
“We’ve seen better teams than this Rangers team be thrashed in the Champions League. The Rangers hierarchy will see it in terms of finances, but for the players, getting beat week in, week out is not what you want.”
Read more: Rangers expert would be ‘very surprised’ if ‘natural goalscorer’ stays at Ibrox
Why Kris Boyd could be wrong with Champions League prediction
While Boyd is right that Rangers could get pumped in the Champions League, qualifying for it could pave the way for a different narrative.
Club Brugge are the favourites to progress, given their past exploits, meaning that the Bears must secure an upset.
However, if they were able to topple the Belgian side after two legs, then that would give Martin’s side renewed confidence.
So far, the Light Blues have been unable to follow up their impressive European nights domestically, and that must change.
- Rangers have performed well in Europe
- Their league form has been disappointing, with two draws from two
- Club Brugge represent a tough opposition
Surely the Scottish outfit would relish playing the likes of Real Madrid, Liverpool, and PSG, and anything can happen on a European night.
Yes, they might struggle, but what a result and feeling it would be for the players, supporters, and manager.
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