Rangers have been sent a warning by Slavia Prague star Nicolae Stanciu after his latest stunning display.
Stanciu was the hosts’ standout player in the Europa League Last 16 first-leg clash in the Czech capital last week and he shone again in a league fixture at Mlada Boleslav on Sunday.
The Romania international scored twice in the first half as the visitors triumphed 3-0, with his first goal an impressive free-kick and his second a brilliant solo goal.
The attacking midfielder now has a remarkable six goals in his last four appearances in all competitions, while Slavia remain unbeaten in the league and are 14 points clear of fierce rivals Sparta, who hold two games in hand.
Stanciu claims that Slavia are now full of belief ahead of their trip to Ibrox, while he also thinks their more congested fixture list has given them an advantage for the second leg.
“From now on, we will think of the Rangers, we will certainly be more confident after this victory, and we will fight there to get further,” he said [Daily Record].
“It’s better to have a match [the weekend before European duty]. It’s true that a lot of players who played last Thursday played even now, it’s a bit tiring because we often play with a similar line-up, but it’s normal to be a little tired.
“I think it’s better to have a match on the weekend and be in rhythm.”
Steven Gerrard will know that with the Gers only netting one away goal in Prague, it’s imperative that his side keeps Stanciu quiet on Thursday night.
Yet, given his remarkable recent form, that may be easier said than done.
Should the Gers qualify for the quarter-finals for the first time under Gerrard, they will trigger a substantial cash reward from UEFA.
