Rangers fans believe their team’s Champions League chances are still alive and kicking after that 2-2 with PSV Eindhoven at Ibrox.
There may have been disappointment at not taking a lead to the Netherlands, but there was little sign of despondency on the Hotline . George Wilson, West Sussex, said: “We had people on here backing the Dutch as it was money for nothing, so they have done their money. Rangers have shown they can play well away in Europe, not something you can say about any other Scottish teams so the tie is not over.”
Gary Stevenson, Newtonhill, emailed: “Great game with the tie still very much alive. Colak was superb in leading the line and he will score goals week in, week out in the Scottish Premiership. All the signs are there that he can have a great career with Rangers. PSV are a quality side and, although difficult, Rangers can progress as their recent European form is excellent.”
Robert Livingstone, Palm Beach, emailed: “It was a real tough game for the Gers. PSV were a big step up in class and always looked dangerous going forward, but it’s a long way from being over. Rangers can still go through especially with that sharp finisher Colak on song.”
Jimmy Mack, Glasgow, emailed: “Not the best, but a half decent result with Rangers vs PSV but for me McLaughlin at 6ft 3in has to command the air in his area when there are half a dozen or more 6ft+ opponents in the box. At both PSV goals he was rooted on his goal-line with no chance to make those saves. McLaughlin must be more aggressive and commanding in Holland or get Allan McGregor back in goal. At least he will attempt to make the saves.”
Scott Gowers, Edinburgh, wasn’t happy with the officiating, saying: “Rangers drew 2-2 with PSV, probably a fair scoreline but if officials and VAR did their jobs it could have been much different. De Jong escapes a booking in the first half before being booked and escapes another after being booked. If VAR is there to make sure officials get things right then the right outcome should prevail. Towards the end of the game there was a clear shirt pull on Colak in the box, no intervention by VAR, a pull which clearly slowed his progression to the ball which he was close to getting. Had VAR done its job then it’s a stonewall penalty.
“Most teams get a player booked after between eight and 10 fouls for persistent fouling, PSV had 13 fouls to Rangers' two in the first half although no booking. Two of their fouls were bookings in my eyes, certainly worse than Goldson’s booking which was Rangers fifth foul conceded (also thought was a booking).”
A few Celtic fans also offered their opinions. Eddie Easson, Ballingry, Fife said: “Rangers have a mountain to climb in the return. They were gifted a goal while PSV missed many chances. You have to fancy PSV will score again from set pieces. Like Ibrox, the home crowd will make a lot of noise.”
Kenny Wilson, Moffat, said: “As I’ve said on here before, Champions League qualifiers are harder than any Europa League game and so many Rangers fans thought PSV were a step down on teams played last season. Not the case. Credit to Rangers - they were the better team in the 1st half but certainly not so in the 2nd half. All to play for though and certainly not out of it.”
Tam Williamson, Lanarkshire emailed: “Philips Electronics Company are PSV Eindhoven’s biggest sponsors and it now looks certain they have pulled the plug on Rangers’ chances of getting their hands on 40 million smackers from the Champions League. But all is not lost as the Gers fans will still get the chance to see their team face one of Europe’s elite clubs when Celtic visit Ibrox in the SPFL.”
Arrin Geddes, Irvine, said: “John Bruce is still going on about a championship which finished early because of a global pandemic which Rangers were never going to win. Celtic have won 16 of 22 league championships this millennium and he just can’t deal with it. Time to move on.”
Finally, Alan Lough, Dunbar, said: “Ronaldo says he will ‘make a statement on his future in a few weeks.’ No need to, but this would be an idea : ‘Despite my desire to leave Man Utd, nobody else wants me so I’m stuck where I am and making sure that all the headlines surrounding the club are all about me because I love being the centre of attention’. There you go, simple as that.“
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