Philippe Clement has named the Rangers fixture played this season that was a bigger challenge than facing Celtic in the Old Firm.
Gers and the Hoops meet at Celtic Park today for the second derby of the season, with Rangers looking to step a huge step towards displacing their rivals at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
Clement’s charges would sit just two points behind Celtic with a famous victory and comparing the form of the two Glasgow giants of late, that wouldn’t be a big surprise.
Old Firm day has fans from either side on tenterhooks in the build-up and Clement will no doubt be feeling a real sense of anticipation.
But he doesn’t think this game will be Rangers’ hardest of the 2023/24 campaign so far, which might puzzle some supporters given how massive an Old Firm derby is.
Philippe Clement thinks differently
No, Clement believes that Rangers’ game against Real Betis away in the Europa League was a much more difficult obstacle to overcome.
Of course, that game will live long in the memory as Rangers won a thrilling match 3-2 to progress to the last 16 of UEFA’s second tier competition as Group A winners.
When asked about the magnitude of this upcoming Old Firm clash, Clement told RangersTV: “I don’t think the biggest, because with all the respect for Celtic our away game against Betis was a bigger challenge.
“That team hadn’t lost all season in a home game. They didn’t lose against Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid, who are really big teams.
“So, it’s going to be a big challenge. It’s a pity there can’t be Rangers fans but we know a lot of people will support us outside and on the screen and they will all be in our hearts.”
Clement definitely has a point. Real Betis made their home stadium a fortress up until Rangers came along and beat them.
Our win in Seville was a pleasant surprise and very little gave us any chance of winning to top the section.
In contrast, not too many would be shocked if Rangers pick up a result at Celtic Park today, despite not winning there in over three years.
Our recent form is testament to that, with Clement looking to go a whopping 17 games unbeaten as manager of the Ibrox giants against the Hoops.
