Rangers will face Czech side Jablonec in the Conference League play-off round after their Europa League elimination against Jagiellonia Bialystok, with the first leg set to take place in Glasgow next Thursday.
Rangers dropped into UEFA's third-tier competition after drawing 1-1 with Jagiellonia at Ibrox on Thursday night, losing the tie 3-2 on aggregate.
Jablonec secured their place in the final qualifying round with a 4-1 aggregate victory over Latvian side RFS, having already overcome Croatian outfit Varazdin earlier in the competition.
They have also made an excellent start domestically, winning all three of their opening league matches.
The Czech side are now relishing the opportunity to face Rangers, with their players already looking forward to the prospect of playing at Ibrox.
Jablonec striker excited by Rangers test
“It is clear that we are facing an incredibly difficult opponent, but we are excited,” Chramosta said.
“We are looking forward to the atmosphere.”
Chramosta also believes Jagiellonia's victory over Rangers demonstrates that the Scottish side can be challenged.
“Jagiellonia showed in the double match that they can be played with,” he added. “We have a week to prepare for them and find some loopholes in their game.”
The striker sees the tie as a reward for Jablonec's progress through the qualifying rounds.
“We are happy for the opponent, such a double match is a reward,” he continued.
“We have passed two preliminary rounds, and we have the last opponent on the way, through which we will try to pass to the main group.”
Jablonec have previous Scottish experience
The Czech club already have experience of facing one half of the Old Firm.
Jablonec played Celtic in European qualifying in 2021, losing 4-2 in the first leg before suffering a 3-0 defeat in the return fixture.
Chramosta remembers that experience but believes this time can be different against Rangers.
“I believe that this time it will be a match with a better result for Jablonec,” he said.
“Rangers are a hugely experienced team that is at the top of the Scottish league every year and plays in the European Cups every year.”
Jablonec goalkeeper Jan Hanus is the only member of the current squad who remains from that Celtic tie.
He remembers the Scottish atmosphere particularly vividly and is now excited about experiencing Ibrox.
“The atmosphere there was literally amazing,” Hanus said. “It was quite focused on history.”
He recalled Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart making his debut in that match and the reception he received.
“I remember that goalkeeper Joe Hart played for them for the first time and the whole stadium chanted his name,” Hanus said.
The goalkeeper also remembers seeing Rangers' home from his hotel during that trip.
“I also vividly remember that I was looking at the Rangers stadium from afar from the hotel in Glasgow,” he added.
“Now I am happy and grateful that we will be able to try out the other stadium in the Scottish capital.”
Jablonec defender wanted Rangers
Martin Cedidla was equally enthusiastic about the draw, revealing that Rangers were his preferred opponent.
“I honestly hoped it would be Rangers,” Cedidla said. “It will definitely be a bit more interesting than the match with the Poles. I'm looking forward to the atmosphere there.”
“I only have personal experience with island football with the under-21 national team, when we played against England twice, but not from adult football.”
“It will definitely be something special for us.”
Cedidla is particularly excited by the prospect of playing in front of a packed Ibrox.
“I've never experienced forty or fifty thousand spectators before, I'm really looking forward to it,” he added.
Rangers must now focus on Conference League
For Rangers, the tie represents an opportunity to recover from the disappointment of their Europa League exit.
Derek McInnes' side had been targeting progression into the Europa League play-off round but were unable to overturn Jagiellonia's first-leg advantage.
Instead, Jablonec now stand between Rangers and a place in the Conference League league phase, lose and there will be no European football this season at Ibrox.
The Czech side will travel to Glasgow for the opening match of the two-legged tie next Thursday before Rangers travel to the Czech Republic for the return fixture.
Jablonec's players are clearly relishing the occasion.
As Hanus put it: “We have a beautiful and big match ahead of us. And that is exactly why we play football.”
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