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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Mark Walker

Rangers got 'lucky' in last Red Star Belgrade meeting as ex boss certain lightning won't strike twice

Rangers got lucky last time they faced Red Star Belgrade according to former boss Milorad Kosanovic.

But the Serb legend insists his old team are in better shape now as they look to avoid a repeat of 2007.

Thursday's Europa League clash will be the first time since that Champions League qualifier 15 years ago that saw Rangers advance to the quarter-finals.

A last minute goal from Nacho Novo was the difference as Walter Smith's team went all the way to the final.

But 71-year-old Kosanovic, who was in charge the last time the sides met, has called on the current crop to get revenge.

He said: "I remember the game at Ibrox very well. I believe we had absolutely no luck in either Glasgow or Belgrade.

"The club was in a bit of turmoil at the time. Players were getting sold without my knowledge and we were in transition.

"But Rangers only scored right at the end because of a big mistake by Grzegorz Bronowicki. A stupid cross that he failed to deal with.

"In Belgrade, we were clearly the better team. Again, we had a lot of problems with injuries and players suddenly becoming unavailable.

"But we were really unfortunate to go out because I know we were the superior team. I certainly remember the atmosphere at Ibrox Park. The pitch was great, the stadium was superb and the atmosphere was incredible.

"I hope the players deal with that side of it. They should be aware of what to expect.

"If I was still the manager I would be telling them to use it to their advantage. They can thrive on it and it's a chance to put Red Star on a big stage for all of Europe to take note.

"It will be a great occasion and I think and hope Red Star will be up for the challenge."

And he's warned Rangers the Serbs are going into this game in fine form after winning their Eternal Derby against Partizan Belgrade last week and following that up with a 5-0 thumping of Novi Pazar on Sunday.

He said: "I wouldn't like to predict who will go through, but what I would say is that if Red Star play as well as they did in the derby against Partizan, they have a great chance.

"I don't believe this Rangers team is better player for player than us and a win for Red Star would be a fantastic boost for Serbian football. "It's something the country needs."

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