Rangers’ Europa League rivals Leverkusen were unlucky not to come away victorious after 1-1 draw away to Bundesliga title contenders RB Leipzig this weekend [Google].
The German outfit is currently fifth in the country’s top tier and considered one of the front runners to win the Europa League having dropped down from the Champions League.
This afternoon they showed their quality as they initially went ahead away to RB Leipzig, who recently beat Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 in London in the Champions League last 16.
Jamaican winger Bailey had Leverkusen ahead in the 29th minute, but it didn’t last long before Patrik Schick equalised only three minutes later.
The game would remain that scoreline but over the final hour of it Leverkusen showed themselves up to be more than a match for the title contenders.
They dominated possession of the match – despite being away from home – and had more shots on goal than RB Leipzig.
The result also dents Leipzig’s title bid and hands Bayern Munich the Bundesliga advantage.
The current German champions rather incredibly saw their match against Hoffenheim effectively abandoned at 6-0 because of an offensive banner in the crowd [BBC Sport].
Given Leipzig’s form in Germany and in Europe, the result is no mean feat and shows the quality which Leverkusen are set to bring to Ibrox a week on Thursday.
Even without leading scorer Kevin Volland – who is set to miss the season with a unique ankle injury – Leverkusen showed their class against top-quality opposition.
This will be the toughest test of Steven Gerrard’s European credentials as Rangers boss yet and a tie which supporters will be very much looking forward to.
