Upfront Dejan Stankovic insists Rangers' underwhelming win over St Johnstone doesn't make them any less of a threat to Red Star Belgrade.
Glen Kamara's early strike settled it but the Ibrox side huffed and puffed during a sedate 90 minutes in Perth.
The Serbs warmed up for next week's mouthwatering last 16 tie in the Europa League with a comfortable 3-0 win against fellow Belgrade side Zozdovac on Thursday afternoon.
They follow that up with a 77th birthday celebration by allowing their supporters into their Marakana Stadium for free when they play Novi Pazar.
Stankovic knows he didn't see the best of Giovanni van Bronckhorst 's side but expects much more when his own team locks horns with them on Thursday.
He said: "I watched the Rangers game at St Johnstone. It was played on a difficult pitch.
"They have the same problems as we have in the league. They have to face teams who play with a low block and it makes it difficult.
"I didn't see the quality they possess, but I can understand why.
"I watched their games against Borussia Dortmund and we saw the real Rangers there. They showed speed, strength and were physically strong.
"Rangers are a well-organised team and I think we are both well matched. it will be an interesting tie in both legs.
"It was another good win for us and it was important to keep our standards high after winning the derby.
"When you play for Red Star, you know what the pressure is like. We prepare for every game as if it is a Cup Final and that's why I was so satisfied with the pace and intensity we showed against Zozdovac, a team who were far better than us when we played them earlier at the Marakana.
"It's important to keep this level up for Sunday and for Rangers next week. They will be two difficult games."
