Rangers v Real Betis preview: Ibrox set to host Europa League football
Having then lost the first Old Firm derby of the season 1-0 to Celtic, Saturday’s 2-0 win over St Johnstone was a much-needed morale booster.
A win against Real Betis, the favourites to win Group C, would be another boost, but the Gers incredibly haven’t won a European home game against Spanish opponents since 1985/86 (D5, L2).
More recently though, their UEL form at Ibrox has been much more encouraging, as they’re unbeaten in six such matches (W5, D1), scoring at least twice on each occasion.
Hoping for a fifth UEL knockout appearance in as many attempts, Betis have had a topsy-turvy start to their season (W2, D1, L2) with a 5-0 thrashing by Barcelona on Saturday hardly the ideal send-off for this trip.
At least playing Scottish opponents is not a huge step into the unknown, as two seasons ago, the Spaniards played out a pair of high-scoring games with Celtic (W1, L1).
But that defeat (L 3-2) came in Glasgow, so Los Verdiblancos may be wary about their latest trip to the United Kingdom, particularly as Manchester United beat them 4-1 at Old Trafford last term.
Adding to manager Manuel Pellegrini’s woes, he has two injured goalkeepers and was reportedly “worried” by third-choice Fran Vieites’ performance against Barcelona.
Players to watch: Aiming to take advantage of any potential weakness in that area, James Tavernier has scored in two of Rangers’ last four matches and three of his four goals this term were the team’s first of the game.
Meanwhile, Willian José, who experienced playing in the UK with Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2021, opened the scoring in two of Betis’ last three fixtures.
Hot streak: Betis have scored after the 30th minute in each of their last seven UEL away fixtures (W4, D1, L2).
