Rangers’ last encounter with Club Brugge came in a pre-season friendly at Ibrox on July 6th, and it offered supporters the first glimpse of Russell Martin’s new-look side in action.
The Light Blues fell behind early, with Hugo Vetlesen and Ludovit Reis striking to give the Belgian side a 2-0 lead.
But Rangers responded in the second half, with Mohammed Diomande converting a slick layoff from Oscar Cortes before Findlay Curtis netted a dramatic late equaliser.
The match highlighted both the potential in Martin’s squad and the resilience of a team still learning to implement a possession-based, methodical style.
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That spirit will be put to the ultimate test tonight, as Rangers face Club Brugge again in the UEFA Champions League playoff round.
With a place in Europe’s elite competition on the line, the stakes are higher than ever. Brugge arrive as a combative, experienced side, hardened by years of continental competition, and Rangers will need to combine their emerging tactical approach with defensive solidity from the first whistle.
Martin’s domestic start has been far from straightforward. Inconsistencies and defensive lapses have made life challenging in the early weeks of the season, meaning tonight is about more than just Europe, it’s an opportunity to build confidence, momentum, and identity.
Ibrox will be crucial. A passionate home crowd can help Rangers set the tone, push for control, and support the squad as they attempt to take the advantage into the second leg.
Rangers showed they can respond to adversity in pre-season, but tonight it’s about proving it counts when it matters.
Martin’s side must be sharp, disciplined, and daring if they are to navigate the first leg successfully and keep their UEFA Champions League dream alive.