Jörg Albertz has warned Bayern Leverkusen they are in for a ‘sensational experience’ when they visit Ibrox this evening.
Rangers take on Leverkusen in the last eight of the Europa League this evening after knocking out Braga in the first leg last month. Their progress was ultimately secured in a stunning first-leg win over the Portuguese side, with Steven Gerrard’s side battling back from two goals down before Ianis Hagi and Joe Aribo turned the game on it’s head.
That evening showed Ibrox in all it’s might, with the old stadium rocking as Rangers pulled off an unlikely come back.
Albertz is predicting more of the same this evening, saying that Europe has taken on more importance given Rangers struggles to keep up with Celtic in the league.
“In terms of atmosphere, it will be a sensational experience,” he told BILD.
“That is why the fans really step on the gas at the international games. I’ve seen a lot of big games in the Champions League – European nights in the Ibrox are awesome.”
Gerrard and his side will head into the first leg full of confidence after their performances over the two games against Braga in the last round.
Leverkusen will be no easy opponents, though, having enjoyed a similarly good result in the last round themselves, knocking out Portuguese giants Porto 5-2 on aggregate.
Indeed, their performance in the away fixture, which they won 3-1, was ultimately what secured their passage and Albertz has them down as favourites against Rangers as a result.
“In the run that Leverkusen currently has, they are the favourite and will probably prevail over two games,” he added.
“I don’t understand why Rangers were in such bad shape lately. It is inexplicable what has happened since the winter break.”
