One of the key reasons Scotland has two teams in the Champions League is because of how quickly Steven Gerrard and Michael Beale got Rangers up to speed in Europe.
The shape, system and tactics were developed quickly and suited the players that had been brought in to play them.
Against Servette, in stages, and against PSV Eindhoven, Michael Beale has shown again that Rangers have nothing to worry about in the Champions or Europa League.
PSV have well publicised injury issues in defence which could have seen the Gers boss look to apply more pressure, however, they quality of their midfield and attack is too good to leave too much space to.
Instead, Michael Beale used a familiar tactic that we saw against Feyenoord, Porto and Benfica in the past.
Contain and counter.
Michael Beale nails Rangers tactics for PSV battle
PSV are very susceptible to counter-attacks and even the Gers gaffer might be surprised at just how many problems we caused with such little and poor quality possession.
Skipper Luuk de Jong going as far as to praise the damage we caused them.
More control would have been better and the Rangers manager said that is one area that has to improve in Eindhoven next week.
A pass completion rate in the 60% range tells its own story.
In the second half, Michael Beale made tactical tweaks that saw Rangers press higher up the park and create more high quality chances.
For all that the possession was nearly 70/30 in PSV’s favour, the xG – expected goals – numbers weren’t too far apart and Jack Butland had a relatively comfortable evening.
There are things that Rangers need to learn though.
Pressing after Luuk de Jong has received the ball into feet is pointless.
On too many occasions, the Rangers midfield was caught flat or out of position when the ball was played behind them.
Either contest the first ball up to the veteran striker or block the passing lane into his feet.
If this can’t be done, Michael Beale has to get the Rangers midfield to recover goal-side of the ball rather than attempting to press whoever De Jong lays it off to.
It wasn’t perfect but PSV are a very good, proper Champions League team and Michael Beale will have to be at his tactical best again to guide Rangers through.
