So Rangers are back where they should be following a brave defensive display in an extremely hostile atmosphere. It certainly wasn't pretty, but nobody attached to the club will care about that.
Red Star flattered to deceive and deserved to go out. Unfortunately for them, they don't have a team to match their support.
Undoubtedly Rangers will need to improve if they want to make an impact in the group stages, but this result should allow Walter Smith to strengthen further, with a creative attacking midfielder the priority in my opinion.
Celtic, too, should be playing Champions League football every season and tomorrow's return leg against Spartak promises to be a cracker. I think both teams are capable of scoring goals and Celtic's defence will need to be at their best.
What an achievement it would be for both the Old Firm to reach the Champions League. Just picture it - Tuesday night: Rangers v Man U at Ibrox. Wednesday night: Celtic v Liverpool at Celtic Park. And so on for the whole of the winter.
I anticipate many great mid-week trips to the pub. Bring it on.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
I disagree slightly Dave. I think it was a well organised defensive display rather than brave. I think brave implies Rangers had their backs to the wall and were lucky whereas I think Rangers were always in control and comfortable.
In previous years I would have been much more nervous on a Walter Smith night in Europe but after the first ten minutes I could not see us conceeding against Red Star.
Walter Smith getting his tactics in Europe spot on! I would never have said that ten years ago. And yes some improvement is needed but in away games in Europe I can't see us changing our tactics much. Ok it isn't pretty, granted, but other teams have been doing this in European competition for years to great effect. If we draw all our away games and nick one-nils at Ibrox then I will be more than happy.
With the money for the home Champions League games coming out my bank as we speak I too am looking forward to a long run in Europe. If you are lucky I might let you buy me a drink in the pub on away nights.
And the Red Star fans have the team they deserve - only 8000 of them bother to watch league games so the team will never progress if they don't back them in every game.
PS There is a slight irony that Smith triumphed using a system much heralded by Paul Le Goon. It is amazing how effective it can be if you have a manager who can identify players that can play in it and also adapt to change styles for the SPL. Sebo vs Darcheville anyone? McCulloch v Sionko? Cuellar v Svensson?
I didn't see the game but it was vital to get through to the group stages. Obviously, I hope Celtic can follow it up tonight.
I notice Mr Le Guen is not doing any great shakes in the French league either. Maybe his bubble was burst by Bazza!
Big Al,
I didn't think Rangers were always in control and comfortable. There were a few last-gasp challenges and McGregor had a good few saves to make, but I suppose you have to expect that away from home.
And what's this with defensive away from home and nicking 1-0 wins at Ibrox? You sound like Craig Brown circa 1999!
The Champions League is an adventure and should be treated as such in my opinion.
As for the formstion, yes it can be effective, but I still think Rangers should be playing two up front. However, who would have thought this time last year that Rangers would be in the Champions League? Some turnaround.
Ginkers,
PLG is facing a massive season. If he fails at PSG his reputation will be shattered. It's a much tougher game when you don't have millions upon millions of pounds to spend, as he did at Lyon.
It's still early days though and I have a feeling he'll turn it around.
Post a Comment