There is now less than 24 hours to go until the Europa League round of 16 decider between Red Star and Rangers.
This time tomorrow night, we will know the outcome and whether Rangers name will be in the draw on Friday morning amongst seven others for the quarter-final stage. What an achievement that would be but there is still work to do despite a three goal lead for the return game against Zvezda.
The task is clear with a strong, early start to the game being imperative. It is essential that Gio van Bronckhorst’s team do not concede early to give momentum to the hosts as well as to galvanise what will be a raucous atmosphere in the Rajko Mitic stadium, led by the Delije ultras on the north curve.
The Rangers party has now arrived in Belgrade with various groups of supporters also landing in the city throughout the day, from those on the direct chartered flights as well as the rest coming in from various connecting points on the continent. The Serbian capital isn’t the most welcoming for visiting football supporters but hopefully the ocassion passes without any major incidents as much as some skirmishes are likely, unfortunately.
On social media earier on Wednesday, some fans commented on the unique nature of being escorted into the city by riot police, underlining the reality of this particular away day as most will have expected.
Come tomorrow, attentions will turn to the game and the team know they are more than capable of getting the job done. Red Star will be doing very well to prevent Rangers from scoring and indeed they should be confident of doing so. Chances will arise on the counter-attack with the home team needing to attack and be vulnerable in their chase for three goals of their own just to level the tie.
The wait is almost over, a proper European encounter is just around the corner with the early kick-off at 17:45 (UK time).