If Rangers suffer another difficult night at the hands of Ajax, it could mean they assume the title of the worst ever side in Champions League group stage history.
To avoid it, they will be looking to Xavi’s Barcelona in the hope that the Catalans can ensure a solid win over Viktoria Plzen in order to stave off the threat.
The awkward label is another issue that Rangers are aiming to avoid in what is a far from meaningless game, even if the task on the pitch to salvage anything from a miserable campaign will be very, very difficult. The ‘worst Champions League team ever’ is a nonsense that all at Ibrox could do without, especially as it won’t come with the context of competing against two excellent sides in the form of Liverpool and Napoli.
A win on Matchday Six would bring some welcome relief and cheer as well as avoiding the dreaded whitewash from the six Group A games.
As things stand, Dinamo Zagreb’s miserable 2011/12 campaign currently ranks as the worst ever when they finished with a record of no points, three goals scored and a massive 22 conceded for a total goal difference of -19. Rangers are currently too close for comfort to that figure on -18.
Over in Group C, Viktoria Plzen will finish in fourth place. They also have zero points with a goal difference of -17.
Whilst Barcelona are the opponents for the Czech side, Xavi looks set to give game time to those on the fringes of the squad as they have already qualified for the Europa League, they can’t move up or down, having been already assured of a third place finish.
Fate is still in Rangers hands. A win against Ajax would restore some much needed pride, land the club a welcome boost in prize money and also ensure that the ‘worst Champions League team ever’ tag is kept away from Ibrox.
Can’t hide facts