Red Star Belgrade welcome Rangers to Red Star Stadium in the second leg of their Round of 16 tie in 2021-22 UEFA Europa League.
Having lost 3-0 in the first leg, Red Star must simply win by at least four goals if they’re to stand any chance of progressing to the Quarter-Finals.
Rangers meanwhile will advance with a win or draw although a defeat of two goals or less would be enough to see them through to the last eight.
Team News
Red Star Belgrade have no fresh injury concerns to report as Veljko Nikolic remains absent with an ankle injury.
Rangers again will be without Steven Davis due to an unspecified injury which has kept the midfielder out in recent weeks.
Ianis Hagi (knee) and Nnamdi Ofoborh (illness) remain ruled out.
Stat Attack
- Red Star Belgrade are unbeaten in five of eight previous meetings against Rangers in all UEFA competitions (W3, D2 L3).
- Rangers are winless in three previous visits to Red Star Belgrade (D1, L2).
- Red Star have kept two clean sheets in three home matches against Rangers across all UEFA competitions.
- Five of Red Star’s seven goals at home in the Europa League this season have been scored after half-time.
- Rangers have failed to keep a disciplinary clean sheet in five away matches in the Europa League this season, during which seven different players were shown at least one yellow card.
Prediction
With a three goal deficit from the first leg despite matching Rangers in attack, Red Star were absolutely wasteful with their chances so they really need to be clinical with their chances and get an early opening goal to put them on the front foot.
Rangers meanwhile were simply clinical so can afford to relax a bit as the match wears on the longer it stays goalless or even if go one goal down after the hour mark, although they will be eager to continue their winning form after ruthlessly thrashing Dundee in the Scottish Cup on Sunday.
The first goal and timing therefore will be absolutely important because if Red Star score early and can kick on quickly with a second goal, anything could happen otherwise I fancy Rangers to get their first win away to Red Star if they continue to play their best football.
Prediction: Red Star 1-2 Rangers
Result: Red Star 2-1 Rangers (Rangers win 4-2 on aggregate!!)