Barcelona boss Xavi insists Rangers are Europa League contenders as he refused to simply accept his membership are favourites to elevate the trophy.
However Rangers have been rocked by the information they feared as star striker Alfredo Morelos was dominated out for the season.
Barcelona – 5 occasions Champions League winners – are again in UEFA’s second-tier competitors for the primary time since being dumped out by Martin O’Neill’s Celtic in 2004.
The bookies now have the Camp Nou membership at quick odds to go all the best way however Xavi reckons the match is vast open and claims the Ibrox issue may see Rangers emerge as shock winners.
Xavi sampled the ferocious Govan environment within the Champions League in 2007.
And he reckons that particular backing may very well be sufficient to roar Gers previous Braga and even perhaps past Atalanta or RB Leipzig to a spot within the Seville remaining on Could 18.
Xavi stated: “Individuals will say Barcelona are favourites due to historical past and they're used to seeing us play within the Champions League – however this isn't the Champions League. We're contenders, we've got an enormous probability, however I can't sit right here and say we're favourites.
“The quarter-finals are very robust and at this stage all people concerned will really feel they've an opportunity to win.
“As anyone who has performed in Glasgow, no one goes to get a simple time in opposition to Rangers. However it's a competitors we're taking critically and wish to win.”
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Rangers’ hopes of retaining the Premiership look all however over however they may but achieve a direct ticket to the group stage if they will stun their method to Europa League glory.
However they'll have to take action with out Morelos for the season after the membership confirmed he had undergone thigh surgical procedure.