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Record Sport Online

Who will win Ajax vs Rangers? Our writers make their predictions for the Champions League blockbuster

It's the night all Rangers fans have been looking forward to for 12 years - the club's return to the Champions League group stage.

Gio van Bronckhorst's men open the campaign at the Johan Cruyff Arena against a side with undoubted European pedigree. Ajax enter this stage of the Champions League for the fifth consecutive season and they will look to reach the knockouts for the third time in those five years, with a surge to the semi-final stage in 2019 among the highlights of the Dutch champions' recent exploits.

However, Rangers have had their fair share of European success in recent seasons as they went all the way to Seville and the Europa League final last term, seeing off the likes of Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig on route to the showpiece final. Having already disposed of PSV Eindhoven this term in the qualifying rounds, the Ibrox faithful will be confident of taking something from the opener.

But what do our writers think? The Record Sport team give their thoughts ahead of a massive Champions League night.

Keith Jackson

Rangers arrived in Holland yesterday still licking some gaping Old Firm wounds. They need a result - or at the very least a performance - to put a spring back in their step and their European record suggests that is more than possible. But something feels a little bit off so far this season. With that in mind, it could be a long evening.

Ajax 3 Rangers 1

David McCarthy

Rangers have reserved some of their best displays for Europe but this will take a massive effort after the crushing disappointment of Saturday. Even taking a point would be massive but I can’t see anything other than a defeat.

Ajax 2 Rangers 0

Andy Newport

Rangers were able to dust down February’s dejection by stunning Borussia Dortmund just two weeks after being pumped at Parkhead but I sense Saturday’s shellacking may be harder to shake off in Amsterdam.

Ajax 2 Rangers 0

Fraser Wilson

If the flat-footed Rangers that were trounced at Celtic Park turn up then this will be another long 90 minutes for the travelling support. But if they can recreate the intensity that grabbed victory in Eindhoven just a fortnight ago then a decent start can be made to the group. Lessons to be learned from Sunday and a useful point to be banked.

Ajax 1 Rangers 1

Craig Swan

Rangers face a tough task with defending set to come under scrutiny. Ajax have plenty of attacking talent and it may be a long night for the Light Blues.

Ajax 3 Rangers 1

Mark Pirie

Gio van Bronckhorst has masterminded several impressive European performances during his time at Rangers, with some if their best displays saved for the Europa League run last term. However, it's another step up in Amsterdam and Ajax will look to exploit the defensive frailties shown against Celtic.

Ajax 2 Rangers 0

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