The first leg of Rangers’ Europa League quarter-final with Athletic Club was about control, about making sure the tie wasn’t over before the trip to Spain.
At 0-0, the tie is very much alive with Barry Ferguson already knowing what his team is and how they are going to set up.
A similar tactical plan wouldn’t be a surprise, but the extra body could make all the difference after Robin Propper saw red in the first leg.
The decision to play Hamza Igamane or Cyriel Dessers will be crucial with the Rangers manager at least having some options.
Athletic Club’s manager, Ernesto Valverde, also thinks that there will be a different look to Rangers and isn’t taking the Ibrox outfit lightly.
Athletic Club boss thinks a different Rangers will be seen
Speaking as part of his pre-match press duties, Valverde has been doing his homework:
“They played a final (Europa League) against Eintracht (Frankfurt) no time ago and only lost on penalties. We have to respect them, because of what they did in the first leg, and they also have a history to defend,” Valverde told the media..
“It’s a decisive, unique game. We’ve already played those games here this year, and we’d like to play our game based on their game plan.
“I’d love for them to say that since we’ve done well, we’re going to play with ten men. They have a good counterattack and are a top team in their league, and in Scotland, they’re required to dominate.
“When you suffer a sending off, they’ll sit back and wait for their chances, and they did well. It will be a different game, an open one, with chances for both sides.”
Should Rangers change their approach?
Athletic have never been past this stage of European competition before, whereas Rangers have a long history of punching above their weight.
Philippe Clement’s away record for Rangers in Europe was outstanding and much of his success came from going toe to toe.
Valverde expects a different proposition, and that his team will have more opportunities to score.
At Ibrox, the Spaniards only hit the target for the first time when Liam Kelly saved a penalty.
Rangers shouldn’t change tactics from the first leg.
That Valverde has already hinted at an Athletic weakness should make Ferguson’s job even easier.
Be patient, frustrate, and chances will come for Rangers.
