Royal Antwerp will have to overcome Rangers if they have to make it to the last 16 of the Europa League.
The Belgian side have a tough task on their hands after suffering a 4-3 defeat in the first leg at home.
Antwerp took Ortwin De Wolf on loan from KAS Eupen in the winter market and the goalkeeper was forced to come off the bench against Steven Gerrard’s side last week, after Alireza Beiranvand picked up an injury in the second half.
De Wolf, who conceded two goals in the final quarter of the game against Rangers, could be in contention to start on Thursday, if the Iranian isn’t fit for the tie.
Local newspaper Gazet van Antwerpen interviewed the Jupiler Pro League side’s winter acquisition, where De Wolf explained why Antwerp have a chance of overcoming Rangers, despite the Scottish club’s impressive defensive record this season.
“We know our mission. As an underdog, it might not be bad to show that we don’t have to be inferior,” he said.
“The fact that we were able to score three times last week, despite their 28 clean sheets this season, gave us a boost. The four goals conceded, on the other hand, do not make the match easy.”
When quizzed if the return leg will be as ‘open’ as the first leg, De Wolf said: “They will no doubt think: ‘We will block everything at the back’.”
“That is why it is our task to disrupt the defence as quickly as possible, so that space is created. It’s all or nothing for us.”
It’s not certain De Wolf will start against Rangers. He estimates his chances of playing is “fifty-fifty” and therefore, prepares for “two scenarios”.
