The time, date and venue has been confirmed for the Gers trip to Belgium to start the new European campaign for season 2022/23.
Rangers will play Union Saint-Gilloise in the Champions League 3rd qualifying round, first leg at Den Dreef Stadium in Leuven.
It is the home of OH Leuven, who also play in the Belgian top flight, situated less than 20 miles from Brussels. The change in venue for the game is due to criteria issues, with USG’s own Joseph Marien ground not meeting the requirements to host UEFA games.
The opening CL qualifier will take place on Tuesday 2 August with a 19.45 (UK) kick-off, whilst the return leg at Ibrox takes place one week later on Tuesday 9 August.
Further details in terms of television coverage will be released over the coming days.
Ready
Belgium has been a happy hunting ground for Rangers in recent times following the contests with Standard Liege and Royal Antwerp in the 20/21 season.
There won’t be any huge surprises for the players as well as the Dutch coaching staff having significant insight available on their Belgian counterparts. In terms of Euro openers, it is probably the draw that you would have picked. Whilst USG will certainly be respected, they are no Monaco which would have represented a far more difficult initial test for the Gers.
Last year’s preparation and performance for the qualifiers was inadequate as displayed in the Malmo debacle as well as stumbling over the Europa League line against Alashkert. There was Covid and other issues to contend with, which aren’t a factor now.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s men are going through the gears and will be ready for this European opener, they simply have to be. It helps that it comes after the start to the league, at Livingston next Saturday. The real action will soon be upon us.