Rangers' potential Champions League play-off opponents revealed
Victory over the Czech side would place Rangers just one tie away from the league phase of the [[Champions League]].
However, a loss would see them drop into the Europa League group stage.
The challenge ahead is acknowledged, with manager Russell Martin vowing a "right go" at the Champions League.
He said: "We've got through a really difficult tie over two legs with a win and we've qualified for the Europa League.
"And we can attack the Champions League now and have a right go.
"I'm incredibly proud of them, the team, the staff, the fans were amazing, so it's a big night for us."
Rangers will be unseeded if they triumph over Viktoria Plzen and will find themselves in the league path draw.
This means they could come up against either the winners of the Benfica and Nice clash or the victors of the Red Bull Salzburg versus Club Brugge match.
These games are scheduled for August 6 and August 12.
The identity of their potential opponents will be confirmed alongside the outcome of the Rangers versus Viktoria Plzen tie.
The draw on Monday will provide Rangers fans with a clearer picture of which tie to monitor, with the possibility of facing the winners if they too advance.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
39 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
NOW WE'RE COOKING WITH GASS: Russell Martin praises Rangers for responding to weekend rebuke in emphatic fashion ... as Djeidi Gassama double helps sink Viktoria Plzen
Russell Martin hailed Rangers ' performance in Tuesday night's 3-0 victory over Viktoria Plzen as the most complete since he took charge of the club. Djeidi Gassama's double - making it four goals in three consecutive European games for the winger - and a Cyriel Dessers penalty capped a much improved display by the side following Saturday's lacklustre showing at Motherwell. It vindicated Martin's furious reaction to the 1-1 draw, when he criticised the big egos of some players, with skipper James Tavernier and midfielder Nico Raskin left out as part of four changes made to the team that faced the Czechs. Savouring a fine performance, especially from new £3million signing Oliver Antman on the right flank, Martin said: 'It was the most put-together performance we've had, for sure, with the ball and without. 'The reaction to losing the ball was great. We moved the ball much quicker, a shorter distance, found the spare man, [made] runs in behind a lot more than what we've had in the last few games. 'But we are going to get much better than that. I'm really pleased but there's so much to do, so much to work on. 'It's still so early but, for the guys to put on a performance like that, after a difficult time on Saturday in a game which means so much, I'm really proud of them. 'I'm just annoyed at the last 15 minutes when we dropped a bit of intensity but it's understandable with the schedule we've had. 'Hopefully the team and the fans felt a bit more of what it should be like and what it's going to look like when the team starts getting into flow. 'The players have bought in to what we're trying to do but hopefully they felt enough to really convince them it's going to be worthwhile and it can help us win a lot.' After reading the riot act at the weekend, Martin was asked about the omissions of Tavernier and Raskin, who came off the bench in the second half. 'Danilo and [Kieran] Dowell came out as well,' he said. 'No one person is harder (to leave out) than another in terms of the conversation. 'It's not easy when you care about the players and you want them to do well, but I'm always honest with them on why they're coming out. They don't have to agree but hopefully they respect a bit of honesty. 'Their reaction said everything when they came on the pitch. Did it feel like big decisions? No, I don't see it like that. 'I judge every moment now. We spoke about everyone having a clean slate so, what went on before, I had no control over. 'It's not personal, it's about what was best for us tonight.' Antman's eye-catching debut came less than 48 hours after he completed his switch from Dutch side Go Ahead Eagles. He came close to scoring midway through the first half, only to see his first-time effort cleared off the line, but quickly won the penalty which doubled Rangers' advantage before providing the assist for Gassama to head home his second and Rangers' third. Praising the Finn, Martin said: 'Gilly [Matt Gilks, assistant manager] sat down with Olly at half-time and he'd been battered with video stuff after a long 48 hours. In the first half he wanted a lot of touches but, in the second, he was devastating with so many runs in behind. 'I'm really pleased with him because we've picked out some bits and he's taken it into the game.' The win puts Rangers in a commanding position ahead of next week's second leg, with the winner facing Club Brugge or Salzburg for a place in the Champions League.
BBC News
42 minutes ago
- BBC News
'Electric wingers' spark exciting Rangers into life
Brian Laudrup's name was not one many would have expected to be evoked when discussing Rangers wide men in the 3-0 thumping of Viktoria Plzen. Former Rangers midfielder Derek Ferguson did admit it was ridiculously premature to suggest Djeidi Gassama or Oliver Antman could ever make the sort of impact the iconic Dane did at Ibrox. But the comparison served to underline the impression the dynamic wingers had made on him and the Rangers fans as they ripped the Czech side to shreds in this Champions League third qualifying round first has exploded onto the scene since signing from Sheffield Wednesday. His two fabulous goals, one in each leg, helped drag Rangers through a treacherous assignment against Panathinaikos and over the first hurdle on the road to the Champions Antman on the other flank offering similar pace, footwork and eye for goal just one day after joining the club, Rangers looked a team that had found a new gear."I can't remember the last time Rangers had two electric wingers on the pitch at the same time," said former Ibrox midfielder Andy Halliday on Sportscene. "For such a long period of time, it's been such a problem for Rangers." What made them so dangerous? Antman left his prints all over the game on his Rangers Finnish winger - signed from Go Ahead Eagles, where he scored six goals and provided 15 assists in 32 games last term - was unlucky not to score when he saw a goal-bound effort blocked on the line. He was brought down in the box after a surging run that resulted in the penalty that was tucked away by Cyriel Dessers. His cross was measured to perfection for Gassama to knock inthe third goal to give Rangers daylight in the tie. "I think you can see why we wanted to sign him," said Rangers head coach Russell Martin of the 23-year-old, who has agreed a four-year deal. "He's game, he's willing, he's really competitive and he has moments of real quality."Gassama's performance also drew praise from the head Mauritania-born 21-year-old has now scored four goals in as many games since joining from Sheffield Wednesday in July - 50% of what he delivered in 47 matches last of those goals have come in the Champions League, making them even more valuable to the Ibrox club given the potential riches on offer."We spoke about the need for some winger-to-winger goals and Gassama is really stepping up in terms of intensity, he really wants to score," Martin added."We showed him a lot of clips when we signed him where he ends up too far away from goal. He's taken on the information really, really well." What did the pundits say? Former Rangers winger Peter Lovenkrands:"Antman has shown fantastic promise. He's looking very, very exciting and he has a bundle of pace. And I love how Gassama attacks the back post. "I love watching two wingers running in behind and they can make a fantastic partnership. It will definitely get fans out of their seats."Former Rangers midfielder Andy Halliday:"I was so impressed with Antman. He had everything. His work rate was excellent and he did a great job."You can already see why he got so many assists last season. He doesn't just drive it into the box, he tries to pick players out."Gassama is direct, quick and great 1v1. He was a constant threat and caused defenders a lot of problems."Former Rangers midfielder Derek Ferguson:"The wingers gave Rangers an injection of pace in the final third was clearly missing against Motherwell. "Antman was sensational. He's very direct and lightning quick and I can't remember him giving the ball away. His decision making was spot on."Former Rangers forward Steven Thompson:"The penetration Antman has brought to this side has been absolutely brilliant. What an impact. They just look so much more dangerous."
Scotsman
an hour ago
- Scotsman
Russell Martin addresses his Rangers changes, Matt Gill's key intervention and John Souttar's expiring contract
Rangers head coach has say on 3-0 win over Viktoria Plzen Sign up to our Football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Rangers manager Russell Martin had no hesitation about praising his players following an emphatic 3-0 victory over Viktoria Plzen that leaves the Ibrox side well placed to contemplate a Champions League play-off round tie against Club Brugge or Red Bull Salzburg. They do still have a second leg to negotiate in Czech Republic next week and Martin stressed that nothing had been secured although Rangers proved that the manager's criticism following the weekend's draw with Motherwell had been a necessary intervention. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad He was left enthusing about the energy and described Lyall Cameron – one of the few to escape censure on Saturday night – as setting the tone for the evening with his energy. He also lauded new signing Oliver Antman, who like Cameron made his full debut although in his case it was just 48 hours after signing from Go Ahead Eagles. Antman enjoyed a fine performance, which included an assist for Rangers' third goal from Djeidi Gassama. Rangers head coach Russell Martin at full time after the 3-0 victory over Viktoria Plzen at Ibrox. (Photo by Rob Casey / SNS Group) | SNS Group But Martin knew he could not escape being questioned about his big personnel decisions, which included dropping skipper James Tavernier. The right-back made an appearance late in the second half, when it was already 3-0. Nico Raskin was another high-profile casualty who also made an appearance off the bench. 'He (Tavernier) was great, as were all the lads,' reported Martin. 'I said my piece, if they have a piece to say then it's really respectful and honest. The way he played when he came on tells you everything you need to know. There's been no problem and I don't envisage any going forward.' Souttar's contract situation John Souttar wore the armband until Tavernier's introduction, with 16 minutes left. The centre-half is out of contract at the end of the season and Martin wants him to stay. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'I think John has real leadership qualities and he can definitely step into that,' he said. 'But you have a few other guys who can do that. But I chose John because I believe he has the respect of everyone in the dressing room. 'He's played really well for us already and showed real willingness to do what we're asking him to do. He's a man and we have quite a young group on the whole. It was an important choice for us tonight and he did brilliantly, and if he does it again, he'll keep getting better.' On the matter of his future, he added: 'It will be dictated by John, his agent and the hierarchy here. I'll keep giving my opinion, for sure, but it's not my job to sort that stuff out.' Rangers captain James Tavernier and head coach Russell Martin at full-time after the 3-0 win over Viktoria Plzen at Ibrox. (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group) | SNS Group Martin was happier to expand on the game he had just watched and applauded Cameron, who lasted 73 minutes on his first competitive Rangers start and caught the eye. 'Lyall was fantastic,' he said. 'His energy helped the team a lot and he did exactly what we asked him to do. He showed real moments of quality and his willingness to run for the team selflessly was immense. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'I'm really pleased with him because we've made a lot of signings and he's probably gone under the radar a little bit. But he's desperate to learn and do well. He has a lot of attributes and I've been really impressed with him. He'll help us.' 'Most complete' team performance yet Antman was also extremely lively in what Martin described as the 'most complete' team performance under him so far. The manager made a point of noting his assistant Matt Gill's contribution when it came to the new winger, who was forced to take on a lot of information on the eve of the match having only just joined. 'Gilly sat down with Olly at half-time - he'd been battered with video stuff after a long 48 hours,' Martin said. 'In the first half he wanted a lot of touches but in the second, he was devastating with so many runs in behind. That's what Gilly showed him and that's the process we're in. I'm really pleased with him because we've picked out some bits and he's taken it into the game.'
