Thomas Buffel slams 'flimsy' Rangers but fires a daunting Ibrox warning to Union Saint Gilloise

Ex-Rangers star Thomas Buffel admits he was surprised at how dangerous his outdated membership have been in opposition to Union Saint-Gilloise - however is adamant they will maintain their Champions League dream alive at Ibrox subsequent week.

Rangers' desires of competing within the group phases for the primary time since 2010 are hanging by a thread following Tuesday's disastrous 2-0 first leg defeat in Leuven and might be hoping to stage a well-known comeback in Glasgow subsequent week. Former Belgium worldwide Buffel - who spent two-and-a-half years at Ibrox - went to the sport to help his former membership and was left shocked and disenchanted at their sluggish show. However he has warned his countrymen the tie is way from over.

He stated: "I used to be there as a Rangers supporter, however once I noticed how a lot enthusiasm the followers of Union offered, I additionally loved that. I've to be sincere and say it was an important outcome for Belgian soccer. I used to be fairly shocked at how flimsy Rangers have been. They did not actually have the urgency to assault, Their build-up was too gradual they usually have been having hassle disrupting Union's waves of assaults.

EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, information, fixture lists, membership/league logos or "dwell" companies. On-line in-match use restricted to 120 photographs, no video emulation. No use in betting, video games or single membership/league/participant publications. Obligatory Credit score: Picture by Dave Winter/REX/Shutterstock (13059813fp) Rangers come out for the match Union St Gilloise v Rangers, UEFA Champions League, Third Qualifying Spherical, First Leg, Soccer, King Energy at Den Dreef Stadium, Leuven, Belgium - 02 Aug 2022

"If Union can maintain the identical depth, play on the similar stage and with the identical defensive organisation, 2-0 may be sufficient. However Ibrox is thought for its ambiance. Union shouldn't be overwhelmed by the 50,000 as a result of if they're, it may well get away from them shortly.

"And so they must discover steadiness. They cannot simply sit again and defend - they should create possibilities too. The Rangers supporters are very near the pitch. The noise comes from in all places - each time Rangers assault, their followers urge them to go for it.

"What Rangers confirmed in Leuven was positively not good. I believe we'll see one other Rangers subsequent week, though additionally it is relying on which gamers they've might be again from damage. Will probably be very fascinating as a result of Rangers might be fearful about Union on the counter-attack too."

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