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Rangers face Dynamo Kyiv tomorrow night under only one pressure – financial.
Talking to Rangers fans, the idea of a lengthy run in Europe is almost seen as a sporting irrelevance. They’ve had success in the Europa League for years, culminating in the run to Seville and they’ve returned to the Champions League promised land under Gio Van Bronckhorst. A new generation have seen Rangers as a largely successful mid-tier European outfit.
What they’ve not had the chance to enjoy is any prolonged domestic dominance – the thing coveted most. Even a 55th title was won behind closed doors during Covid lockdowns.
Of course, it’s all fine and well for fans to think Europe is a secondary priority, but within the corridors of power at Ibrox, the accountants will be reminding everyone of the importance of a strong continental showing. For just getting past Kyiv, Rangers will guarantee themselves a €4.3m UEFA parachute payout – even if Twente or Red Bull Salzburg in the next round offer too much of a challenge to get past. That’s still a major cash injection that will be heavily coveted. With a complete rebuild only just started, some extra lucre in the transfer kitty wouldn’t go amiss for Philippe Clement, that much is certain.
The Ukrainians look formidable if their 9-2 destruction of Partisan Belgrade is any indicator. Just getting through this tie would be a solid achievement for the Belgian and allow him to concentrate on the domestic scene with the money banked. In a normal year, Salzburg and Twente would look winnable in the next round but less so with so much still to do on the team-building front.
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