After weeks and weeks of qualifying rounds, it’s all come down to this as we arrive at the play-offs. A parade of clubs across Europe are hoping to book their ticket to the group stage of the UEFA Champions League, but they’ve got one last step to go before they can get there. Today, we’ll be taking a look at the second leg clash between PSV Eindhoven and Rangers.
PSV Form GuideWhile PSV Eindhoven weren’t the ones to break Ajax’s stranglehold over the Eredivisie, they certainly put up a great fight as they pushed Feyenoord all the way in the title race and eventually wound up finishing second. Given how hard they worked to get here, you’d have to think they’ll be pretty passionate about doing everything it takes to get over the finish line.
PSV dominated the possession game with 69% in the first leg, they had 19 shots, and their passing accuracy was fantastic. So, then, they’ll probably be feeling pretty frustrated that they only came away with a 2-2 draw from their trip to Glasgow.
Rangers Form GuideRangers’ run to the Europa League final doesn’t feel so long ago, and yet, there are still plenty of sceptics out there when it comes to what their European campaign will look like this season. As a club, they have the kind of foundation needed to make a good run in one of the three competitions - but there are still so many question marks surrounding their overall quality.
On the face of it, picking up a 2-2 draw from a game in which you had less than 31% possession should be seen as a good thing. Alas, Rangers only had 10 minutes left to hold onto a 2-1 lead, and they were at home, meaning the feelings are mixed at best.
Match PredictionRangers missed their opportunity to have something to hold onto in the first leg and as a consequence, they’re going to be facing an uphill battle here. They need to work on the counter if they’re going to get anything going, but even then, the prediction that feels most likely is a PSV win.
