Unleashing the Gers: Rangers Must Step Up to Conquer PSV Eindhoven and Secure Champions League Spot
Rangers eye Champions League qualification against PSV Eindhoven after a hard-fought draw with Servette Can they repeat last season's success under new management?
Kris Boyd is confident that Rangers are continuously improving, however, they will need to elevate their performance further in order to defeat PSV Eindhoven and secure a position in the Champions League group stage.
Following a remarkable second-leg draw of 1-1 and an impressive aggregate victory of 3-2 against Servette in Switzerland, the Gers successfully advanced to the Champions League play-offs on Tuesday night courtesy of a crucial header by James Tavernier.
Rangers' result sets them up for a rematch with PSV Eindhoven in a two-legged tie, mirroring last year's encounter. As the runners-up in the Scottish Premiership, their aim is to secure a spot in the group stages for the second consecutive season. However, Michael Beale's team is already trailing in the league after a surprise loss to Kilmarnock on the opening day. Despite this setback, We' Boyd believes there are indications of progress.
"After the start to the season Rangers have had, to go over to Switzerland and get the job done, they will be delighted," he said.
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James Tavernier celebrates after making it 1-1
The performance wasn't amazing, but it was satisfactory, especially considering the first half. Rangers truly exerted control over the second half, indicating progress. They are improving with every game, although time is limited in this sport.
Next, they have a match against Greenock Morton this weekend, followed by a formidable opponent from European football history, PSV. It will be an extremely challenging task.
Rangers faced PSV last season, with Giovanni van Bronckhorst as their leader. They achieved a 3-2 aggregate victory, drawing 2-2 at Ibrox and then securing an impressive 1-0 away win. Boyd anticipates an even more difficult challenge for Rangers this time around.
"It's another great opportunity for Rangers to get to the Champions League but PSV Eindhoven will be saying the exact same thing," he said.
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Rangers manager Michael Beale and Tavernier at full time
Despite the loss of Cody Gakpo, the PSV squad still possesses numerous talented players who can pose a threat. It is important for Rangers to draw confidence from their previous performances against PSV last year, even though it was under different management.
Achieving the Champions League would greatly benefit both Rangers and Scottish football as a whole. However, it is important to acknowledge that the upcoming match will not be easy, considering the improved strength and position of PSV compared to last season.
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Tavernier scored in both legs against Servette
"Rangers will have to improve again from their first few performances this season if they are going to get a result.
What's next for Rangers?
Currently, Rangers are a work in progress as they strive to integrate numerous new faces into their squad. While some players continue to perform at a high level, the main challenge lies in the forward areas. Turning their focus to the Scottish League Cup, Rangers will face off against Morton, a Championship side, on Saturday.The first leg of their Champions League play-off against PSV Eindhoven will take place at Ibrox on August 22. Following that, they will have their next Scottish Premiership match against Ross County on August 26, which will be broadcast live on We with a kick-off at 12.30pm.
