Rangers are very much in the hunt for Champions League glory this summer after holding Dynamo Kiev to a late 1-1 draw in Poland.
Heading into the clash with the Ukrainians the nerves amongst Ibrox supporters were certainly palpable as Philippe Clement’s new-look squad finds its way this season.
Dynamo Kiev’s 9-2 mauling of Partizan Belgrade in Champions League QR2 certainly didn’t help.
Rangers went on to put in a spirited display – if not at times being wasteful in possession – with Cyriel Dessers popping up in the 94th minute to hand the Gers momentum heading into the return at Hampden.
But Rangers aren’t the only ones who saw their Champions League Playoff hopes rescued by a late strike ahead of a homecoming second leg.
Champions League Playoff neatly poised
Heading into Rangers’ Champions League QR3 clash with Dynamo Kiev, the lots had already been drawn for the Playoff round.
Rangers know that should they navigate past the tricky Ukrainian outfit that a tie with either Red Bull backed FC Salzburg or Eredivisie underdogs FC Twente lies in wait.
Given the financial backing afforded Austrian side Salzburg, many might’ve expected them to roll Twente over at this round of the competition.
But that’s not how things transpired on the night despite the Austrians at one stage establishing a two-goal advantage.
Danish midfielder Maurits Kjærgaard fired Salzburg into the lead five minutes before halftime, hammering the ball into the ground and up on the half volley as it rebounded out from a corner.
In the 80th minute, the impressive Kjærgaard handed RB Salzburg an almighty advantage when he kept his composure to add a second.
Rolling the ball past the stranded FC Twente keeper, the performance of the Dane gives an insight into the quality Salzburg have in their ranks.
But the Dutch outfit were not to be undone and hauled themselves back into the tie in the 90th minute after winning a free kick at the edge of the box.
Up stepped Michel Vlap to fire in low past Salzburg stopper Janis Blaswich and keep the tie alive ahead of next week.
Rangers subplots aplenty
Rangers still have to take care of business in Glasgow and will need to win on the night to progress past Dynamo Kiev.
But should Rangers reach the Champions League Playoff there are a number of subplots regardless of whether fans travel to Austria or the Netherlands.
Ex-Rangers striker Sam Lammers came off the bench for FC Twente in the defeat to Salzburg following a £2.7m summer move from Ibrox.
Rangers have also poached FC Twente’s captain Robin Pröpper and whilst the defender was an unused substitute v Dynamo Kiev, the Dutchman is expected to come into the team soon.
As for RB Salzburg, Rangers have been strongly linked with a move for striker Petar Ratkov this summer.
The big Serbian only moved to Austria last summer but Rangers have been routinely linked to the 20-year-old over the last few seasons.
Salzburg are regulars in the Champions League group stage and their squad also includes the likes of once Rangers-linked Oscar Gloukh.
