How Gerrard & Gio Have Utilised The Home Crowd To Make Rangers A Euro Force Again

Rangers welcome PSV Eindhoven to Ibrox tonight with a place in the Champions League on offer
10:25, 16 Aug 2022

The atmosphere inside Ibrox on European nights is world-renowned, and in recent seasons the standing of the historic arena has been elevated.

During the 1990s and early noughties - the Dick Advocaat years aside - Rangers were closely associated with pragmatism and containment in continental competition. British crowds are reactionary, they respond to what's happening on the pitch, and it was Steven Gerrard's more assertive approach that ensured supporters were no longer on the periphery at Ibrox.

Rangers have suffered just four defeats in their last 33 European home matches - and the Light Blues have become even more emboldened under Giovanni Van Bronckhorst. The Dutchman believes a raucous atmosphere can disrupt and unnerve opponents, and the players and supporters dovetailed perfectly during the run to the Europa League final.

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There will always be spells in matches when Scottish teams have to withstand a barrage of opposition pressure, however voluntarily surrendering possession and territory drains optimism from the terraces. It has taken longer than it should have, but Rangers are finally harnessing the passion from the stands in a positive manner.

Victory over an expensively-assembled Parma side 23 years ago had become the modern-day benchmark when supporters compared atmospheres through the decades, but the noise generated during the Europa League success over RB Leipzig set a new standard.

Rangers’ run to the 2008 UEFA Cup final was an example of how organisation and tactical discipline can help a team defy logic. The primary aim for the Glasgow giants was to avoid conceding at home - and although the ultra-cautious approach paid dividends, tickets were readily available for the goalless semi-final with Fiorentina.

Rangers welcome PSV Eindhoven to Ibrox tonight with a place in Europe’s primary competition the prize on offer. The iconic Champions League anthem will reverberate around the old stadium before kick-off for the first time in 12 years - providing all in attendance with a tantalising glimpse of what the next few months could entail.

This evening is effectively a dress rehearsal before the launch of the main event. It is a precursor for what is to come, but while the winner will challenge the elite, the loser will parachute into the Europa League.

In many recent two-legged ties, Rangers have benefited from hosting the return game. Without away goals in operation - so often the bane of Scottish clubs - the Light Blues have managed to overturn deficits without the crippling fear of conceding.

Van Bronckhorst has embraced what Gerrard started, encouraging a courageous mindset at Ibrox. The Dutchman is brave in Glasgow, yet his strategy away from home is still to be defined. Rangers were meek and passive during their loss to Union Saint-Gilloise two weeks ago - and it was not the first occasion they have been lacklustre on their travels.

Rangers manager Giovanni Van Bronckhorst
Rangers manager Giovanni Van Bronckhorst

Rangers escaped from Belgium with the tie still within reach, but a more balanced approach over the two legs with PSV is required. The Dutch side will be aware the Light Blues have failed to score - or even threaten - in their last three European away games.

Ironically, Rangers have become slightly over-reliant on their home form after decades of not fully capitalising on the enthusiasm emanating from the stands. It should not feel like win or bust for the Scots tonight, but PSV will consider the bulk of the work done if they depart unscathed.

Rangers have been bundled out of Europe on multiple occasions when they still had more to give. The current squad have changed the narrative surrounding the club in continental competition, and they have earned another chance to add Champions League participation to their list of accomplishments.

The Light Blues had the opportunity to earn direct access to the Champions League via Premiership success or glory in the Europa League – and they will be eager to grasp their third and final attempt. 

Rangers are 6/4 to beat PSV Eindhoven with Betfred*

*18+ | BeGambleAware | Odds Subject To Change

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