Legendary hitman Robert Lewandowski was on target for Barcelona as they demolished Real Betis ahead the La Liga side’s Europa League trip to Rangers.
In an energy-sapping 5-0 thrashing, £42.5m ex-Bayern striker Lewandowski scored the Spanish giant’s second goal after Portuguese attacker Joao Felix had opened the scoring.
Ferran Torres, Raphinha and Joao Cancelo would complete the scoring in the second half with Real Betis suitably bruised ahead of their Europa League encounter with Rangers.
The Gers are set to welcome the Sevilla side to Glasgow this week with the pressure on Michael Beale’s team to deliver at the very least a performance in Govan.
Rangers fans will make note of the performance of goalkeeper Francisco Vieties, who had a second half shocker against long-range efforts after replacing the injured Rui Silva at half-time.
Barcelona hand Rangers the Real Betis blueprint
Rangers’ showings so far this season have done little to inspire supporters, many of whom have already turned on Beale, who stands accused of a failure to win the big games.
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They don’t come much bigger than Real Betis at Ibrox with Rangers in a strong position to go and lay down a marker against the pot two side in Group C.
Barcelona have just given Rangers the blueprint to go and dispatch Real Betis and Michael Beale will be for sure analysing how the Spanish giants did it.
For all the talent that is in the Manuel Pellegrini’s side there are clear deficiencies and given the club’s Ibrox successes of recent years Rangers fans are hopeful of a strong result.
Rangers go into the match against Real Betis off the back of a 2-0 win against St Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership.
Goals from Danilo and Rabbi Matondo have eased the pressure on Michael Beale although the three points in Perth have come at a cost for Rangers.
Brazilian striker Danilo faces a spell on the sidelines with a fractured cheekbone after putting his body on the line against Liam Gordon to open the scoring.
The striker is one of four first-teamers set to miss the clash with Real Betis as Rangers prepare to welcome a side currently 10th in the Spanish La Liga.