Ex-Rangers star Thomas Buffel admits he was stunned at how bad his old club were against Union Saint-Gilloise - but is adamant they can keep their Champions League dream alive at Ibrox next week.
Rangers' dreams of competing in the group stages for the first time since 2010 are hanging by a thread following Tuesday's disastrous 2-0 first leg defeat in Leuven and will be hoping to stage a famous comeback in Glasgow next week. Former Belgium international Buffel - who spent two-and-a-half years at Ibrox - went to the game to support his former club and was left surprised and disappointed at their sluggish display. But he has warned his countrymen the tie is far from over.
He said: "I was there as a Rangers supporter, but when I saw how much enthusiasm the fans of Union provided, I also enjoyed that. I have to be honest and say it was a great result for Belgian football. I was quite surprised at how flimsy Rangers were. They didn't really have the urgency to attack, Their build-up was too slow and they were having trouble disrupting Union's waves of attacks.
"If Union can keep the same intensity, play at the same level and with the same defensive organisation, 2-0 can be enough. But Ibrox is known for its atmosphere. Union should not be overwhelmed by the 50,000 because if they are, it can get away from them quickly.
"And they will have to find balance. They can't just sit back and defend - they have to create chances too. The Rangers supporters are very close to the pitch. The noise comes from everywhere - every time Rangers attack, their fans urge them to go for it.
"What Rangers showed in Leuven was definitely not good. I think we will see another Rangers next week, although it is also depending on which players they have will be back from injury. It will be very interesting because Rangers will be worried about Union on the counter-attack too."
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