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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Robbie Copeland

What the Rangers pundits have said about Dortmund upset chances as Gio van Bronckhorst told nothing is impossible

Rangers are on the brink of a date with destiny as their Europa League clash with Borussia Dortmund kicks off in less than 48 hours.

And while it won't be easy, fans and pundits are in agreement that the Ibrox side have a chance against the Bundesliga high flyers.

Dortmund remain in touch with Bayern Munich at the top of the league but their recent form has been indifferent.

And the news that Erling Haaland will miss out also comes as a major boost as the Premiership champions.

Rangers will need every advantage they can get over 180 minutes if they are to shock European football and reach the round of 16.

But first it's about keeping things tight in Germany and bringing the tie back to Ibrox alive.

Here's what the pundits have said about their chances of doing just that.

Kris Boyd

Ibrox hero Boyd spoke to Sky Sports in the wake of the draw and acknowledged it's going to be "difficult" for his old team.

But he knows Gio van Bronckhorst and his team won't be travelling to Germany just to make up the numbers - and thinks a decent result away from home will give them every chance.

He said: "It's going to be difficult for Rangers, home and away.

Kris Boyd (SNS Group)

"We've spoken about the talented footballers Dortmund have got, it's going to be difficult.

"We've seen if before though, if you can hang in in the first leg, you never know.

"The away goals are scrapped now as well so I don't think it's of that much importance any more.

"But Rangers are going to have to be at their best if they're going to get anything.

"Dortmund are flying in the Bundesliga and they've shown over the years how good they are. But with Rangers, you just never know.

"There's been a few shocks and surprises over the last few years and I'm sure Gio van Bronckhorst and the players will be looking forward to the occasion.

"But I don't think they're thinking they're just going in to make up the numbers. They'll be looking forward to it and they'll think they can cause an upset."

Nigel Spackman

Former Gers midfielder Spackman, who currently works as a European football commentator for BT Sport, spoke to Record Sport earlier in the week and reckons the depleted home crowd plays into Rangers' hands.

They will be limited to 10,000 home supporters which will lead to a subdued atmosphere compared to what the Westfalenstadion normally offers up.

“When Dortmund are doing well the Yellow Wall really does get behind the team," he said.

Nigel Spackman in action for Rangers (Bob Thomas/Getty Images)

“It’s just as important when they aren’t winning though. If Rangers were to go 1-0 up then the volume would turn up to a crescendo to drive Dortmund forward.

“So it’s a big bonus for Rangers that that’s going to be missing and a real boost to their chances.

“And Rangers always stand a chance.

“Dortmund concede goals. They play with a back four and they’ve conceded 36 goals in 22 games.

“They can switch off when you hit them on the counter. The central defender Dan-Axel Zagadou is one of those players who can be brilliant and then out of nowhere he makes a mistake.

“If the full-backs push on like they normally do then Rangers can try and exploit them in those areas with Ryan Kent's pace and Alfredo Morelos' form."

Ronald de Boer

Dutchman De Boer reckons it will be tighter than people think - although he acknowledges the star power boasted by Dortmund make them huge favourites.

The former Ibrox star said: "I think Rangers will have a chance of causing an upset. Of course Dortmund will be favourites as, behind Bayern Munich, they are the top team in Germany.

“They didn’t have a great start to the season, but they have steadily improved. They also have a Dutch player Donyell Malen who I have seen play a lot and he has continued to get better and better.

"It is a team with a lot of great players, but Rangers will still have a chance to go through.

“I think it will be a very tight fixture and I’m looking forward to it."

Jorg Albertz

The Sunday Mail columnist is one man who knows both sides of the divide here having spent the majority of his career in Germany - save for his five-year stint at Ibrox.

And he reckons Dortmund, for all their stars, aren't playing as a team yet - and that could be their downfall.

Writing in his Mailsport column, Albertz said: "On their day, they (Dortmund) can beat anyone in the world.

"But even though there are so many big names on paper – on the pitch, they’re not a TEAM. And that’s what should give Rangers hope ahead of Thursday night’s first-leg clash.

"What’s missing from Borussia Dortmund right now – and it has also been evident in the Bundesliga – is that they’re not playing together yet.

"You can have all the big names and big-money signings you want.

"But that doesn’t mean the underdog can’t win. And if Rangers play as a unit on the pitch, they can win."

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