Celtic gave their hopes of ‘walking on’ on the Champions League a boost with a useful draw against Shakhtar Donetsk. But Rangers’ chances are in danger of sinking after another heavy defeat ahead of the trip to the Mersey to face Liverpool. Gio van Bronckhorst’s side produced a far better performance against Napoli at Ibrox only for it all to unravel after James Sands saw red in the 55th minute and end in a 3-0 defeat.
Despite the spirited performance, the reality for Gers fans doesn’t make for good reading. Eddie Easson, Ballingry, said: “Eleven goals against nil for in three games. The stats don't lie – Rangers are in a dire position. The ostriches can hide their head in the sand but their team have gone backwards since Steven Gerrard left. A lack of investment in the playing side, a manager who can't make his mind up who his best keeper is. A team that are accident prone with a few who don't want to be there.”
Barriemore Barlow, Inchinnan, said: “ Rangers have to face a very real prospect of a no-points Champions League group. They can't expect to take anything from the Liverpool games or the Maradona Stadium in Naples or even Ajax at Ibrox.” Jamie Thompson, Clydebank, said: “The quality of some of these Rangers players is a concern, we have taken a backwards step. That performance was just not good enough. I fear for this season.”
Arrin Geddes, Irvine, said: “While Celtic continue to raise their performance in the Champions League, Keith Jackson thinks ravenous Rangers found redemption – but I think the only thing Rangers found was that you need quality at that level. Hard work is not enough.”
Finally, Gordon Hendry, Ochiltree, added: “Whilst Rangers were departing the Champions League with another heavy defeat it looks like we sadly won't even make the Europa League. Celtic however, should have no such problem, after watching their game against Shakhtar it was like watching them play Dundee United without the goals. Luckily for them, their group, apart from Real, are so poor that even Rangers would have no difficulty in qualifying.”
Over to the green side and despite a decent point in Poland, Hoops fans reckon their side should have taken all three. Kenny Wilson, Moffat, said: “Got to feel that was points dropped be Celtic. Totally dominating the game and by far the best team but you have to take your chances. Let’s hope it doesn’t come back to haunt us but it says a lot about where this team is at when we’re disappointed with an away draw in the Champions League.”
Hoops fan Paul McCormack, Coatbridge, said: “Going through or going out? Big moments in both games so far and we've fluffed our lines. One point out of six is a poor return when you look at the sitters we've missed. I’m disappointed with that result, the game was there for the taking.”
But Stephen Mulhern, Dumbarton, said: “Despite being disappointed at Celtic not claiming three points, Ange Postecoglou showed that you don’t need hundreds of millions to compete at the top table. Take Greg Taylor for instance. I’m old enough to have witnessed the great Danny McGrain at his peak and since Postecoglou’s arrival I reckon Taylor’s game has improved tenfold.”
Frank McFerran, Carrickfergus, said: “Celtic did well but look at the difference in players. Napoli are streets ahead, Ajax, Liverpool, all streets ahead. Rangers and Celtic try their best but money and the leagues make the difference.”
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