Rangers in the Champions League: Group A Preview
The stage has been set, Rangers are back in the Champions League after 12 arduous years, having a point to prove after their embarrassing defeat against their bitter rivals Celtic. Although, the night was not what the fans were dreaming of. But, how does this result effect Rangers’ approach to the rest of the group stage…
Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst during the 4-0 defeat to Ajax (Image: Getty)
S.S.C. NAPOLI
Napoli are second in Serie A, yet to lose a game and are also coming off of an immense performance against Liverpool.
Rangers will have to get their act together and recover the form that was instrumental in their run to the Europa League final last season.
The Ibrox crowd will be expecting a real reaction and for the players to fight for the badge.
Napoli manager Luciano Spalletti during the victory over Liverpool (Image: Getty)
LIVERPOOL
The most anticipated match of the group will definitely be exciting.
Just like Rangers, Liverpool have had a difficult start to the season, currently sitting seventh in the Premier League having faced a demoralising 4-1 defeat at the hands of Napoli.
The game will be a battle of the fans just as much as it will be on the pitch as both teams look to get their seasons back on track.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp (Image: Getty)
AFC AJAX
Ajax’s 4-0 win reflects their complete domination of Rangers in the game.
The Gers’ will have to completely change their game-plan in the return leg at Ibrox which brings along an extra expectation to take the game to the Dutch side.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side will be hoping to redeem themselves and show that they can keep up with the intensity and class of their opponent.
Ajax manager, Alfred Schreuder (Image: Getty)
PREDICTION
Rangers seem to be burnt out after last season’s run in the Europa League, but they need to relight the fire to get out of the rut they find themselves in. If they manage to bring the effort levels back, they could get a positive result against Napoli, kick on from there and show that they belong in the Champions League.
Group Stage Prediction – 3rd