Rangers' Champions League opponents Union Saint Gilloise suffered a heavy defeat to KV Mechelen as they failed to replicate their European form with their second leg at Ibrox just days away.
The Belgian's historic victory over Rangers thanks to goals from captain Teddy Teuma and Dante Vanzeir's contentious penalty appeared to be a distant memory for boss Karel Geraerts as they shifted their focus the Belgian Pro League. Mechelen came into the game without a win so far this season but they but in a dominant display to secure a 3-0 victory to pull away from the foot of the table.
Captain Rob Schoofs put the home side in front in the first half, and the game was completely put to bed in after two quick-fire goals in the second half thanks to a Lazare Amani own goal and a strike from Julien Ngoy. Geraerts had rotated his squad as he looked ahead to the clash with last season's Europa League finalists, making seven changes from the XI that started against Rangers.
The result has sparked criticism in the Belgian press for a team that came within touching distance of the league title last term. Nieuwsblad state that "with this mentality Tuesday will be trembling and trembling on Scottish soil."
De Standaard added ahead of the crucial Champions League clash: "Karel Geraerts may not like to admit it, but you clearly noticed that he had rotated with a view to Tuesday's return at the Ibrox Stadium in Glasgow. KV Mechelen controlled the match and the Union only wanted to limit further damage."
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