Rangers Europa League opponents Brondby warmed up for their trip to Ibrox with a late victory in the Danish Superliga which maintains their mid-table status in the division.
Last year’s Champions, Brondby had fans raucous after picking up their first Danish title in 16 years last season.
But things have not quite gone to plan in their title defence and the stuttering Champions currently sit 6th in the Danish top flight, 13 points off leaders Midtjylland.
Europa League foes almost drop points v relegation fodder
Despite a rocky start to the season the Danes warmed up for their trip to Ibrox with a clash against bottom of the table Vejle BK.
And had it not been for Christian Cappis’ late winner Niels Frederiksen’s side would’ve dropped yet more points in the Danish title race.
Despite playing at home against the bottom placed side, Brondby twice fell behind before they were hauled back into the match by firstly Andreas Bruus and then Mikael Uhre.
Christian Cappis’ winner five minutes from time would then be followed by a late red card for rival star Jerome Opoku as things went from bad to worse for Vejle.
Rangers boss Steven Gerrard clear Thursday’s clash is a must-win
Rangers boss Steven Gerrard spoke after Rangers’ disappointing 1-0 defeat to Sparta Prague and claimed the clash with the Danes is a “must-win” for the Ibrox side.
“I’m disappointed we’ve got off to the start we have in the group, losing two games is not ideal,” said Gerrard [Scotsman].
“The next game is a must-win now. We have to win the game at home to Brondby to give ourselves an outside chance.”
Brondby managed a point in their group opener with Sparta Prague whilst Rangers are yet to yet to register any after defeats to Lyon and the Czech club.
The Danes would also fall to a 3-0 defeat to the Ligue 1 club in the last round of fixtures.
Rangers now face a double-header against the side and if they harbour any ambitions at all of getting out of the group, then it’s clear the club must take six points from their next two matches.
Rangers warmed up for the match with a major disappointment as the club’s misfiring strikers contributed to two points dropped.
