Former Rangers manager Graeme Souness struck exactly the right tone with a warning that there is still work to do against Red Star.
The legendary boss was firm in his assessment that whilst the three goal lead is obviously a positive, the situation could turn quickly and that is what Rangers need to guard against.
That won’t be lost on Gio van Bronckhorst and as well as expecting an early onslaught from the opposition, they will also have the extremely passionate home supporters to contend against – there can be no complacency for the job ahead, as Souness pointed out.
“I’m not counting any chickens yet because this tie isn’t over. They still have a hard job to do in Belgrade. This team is capable of scoring goals, as they proved in the first leg.”
“If I was managing Rangers at this time I’d be telling the players that if Red Star get an early goal their tails will be up and we’ll have a real game on our hands.”
“They need to start in the right manner and try to quieten the crowd, get to half-time at 0-0, make them nervous. Red Star are a threat, though. Some marginal decisions went against them at Ibrox.”
“Look, 3-0 is a healthy lead to take into any return game but it doesn’t mean the tie is settled.”
Control
Rangers will fancy their chances to score at least once. Do that and Red Star will need four which would take either a bad collapse or a rare off night from all in blue for the Europa League dream to end. The Scottish champions should be confident but there is still danger in the way, it isnt over yet.
As above Souness is exactly right with his guarded approach to this game knowing that plenty could still unfold in the lion’s den of the Marakana as the famous old stadum is also known.
The first half hour will be massive for the visitors on Thursday night. See that out and then Red Star will need to be more open and attacking the later the game goes which will play into Rangers counter-attacking strengths.