AS European performances go, Rangers’ 2-0 win over Brondby at Ibrox two weeks ago was pretty impressive.
Beating the Danish champions while still not reaching peak performance signified that poor early season form was beginning to turn.
Previous matches with Sparta Prague and Lyon had underwhelmed – but the win in matchday three was a reminder of the European pedigree Steven Gerrard and co have built during his tenure.
It was a game that his side needed to win. Results elsewhere mean that second place is still very much attainable dependent on tomorrow’s result – given Sparta are still to visit Ibrox.
Since their trip north, Neils Frederiksen's side have taken maximum points from two league matches. Beating Kobenhavn 2-1 at home before a late winner at the weekend against Viborg.
Having already profiled the opposition – a squad who lost plenty of their title-winning core in the summer – The Rangers Review asks what, if anything, will be different in the reverse leg.
And having played so recently, will either manager alter their approach?
'The game was as we expected'
Asked by The Rangers Review after the reverse tie at Ibrox whether Gerrard's men threatened as expected, Frederiksen commented: “The picture of the game was more or less as we expected.
“We knew beforehand we had to defend on set-pieces where they’re very strong and also on crosses. And they scored two goals out of these situations.
“I could have hoped that we had been a bit more calm with the ball. We should have tried probably to play a bit more.
“I think Rangers allowed us some space in there that we didn’t use.
“If you’re not able to keep the ball then you risk that the pressure against you will be heavy. Because your periods on the ball is too short. That was I think what happened also."
Before kick-off, the visiting manager had hypothesised the game could pan out this way.
“They attack very directly and like to get a lot of crosses into the box. They create a lot of chances and we have to make sure we control that," he said.
“If you attack with a lot of players then you don’t have so many in defence and we should see if we can take advantage of that.”
Playing with two forwards, Brondby were unable to really threaten their hosts. A look at their pass network from the game contextualises otherwise misleading possession statistics.
Their back five saw the majority of the ball, with little possession sustained in the forward areas.
Comparison of that to the pass map from their 0-0 group owner with Sparta Prague indicates a shape more likely tomorrow.
In that home tie, their only of the first round of fixtures, they amassed an xG of just 0.17.
Across the three first fixtures in Group A, their xG for stood at 1.32 and xG against 7.1 - they are 30th of 32 teams in the xG difference table.
An element that Gerrard's side must contend with is the atmosphere.
Frederiksen added: “Rangers can also expect that when they visit Brondby there will be fire on the stands. It will be a really fantastic atmosphere. I think that will help us."
How should Rangers approach the tie?
The win over Motherwell on Sunday was refreshing for plenty of reasons. Clinical finishing and quick transitions just two. But crucially, Gerrard’s side posed an equal threat down either flank.
The wide triangles on both the right and left worked very well. With Sakala, Bassey and Kamara on one side and Aribo, Arfield and Tavernier on the other.
A look at Brondby’s pressure map from their trip to Ibrox underlines the little defending they needed to do from the left flank.
Comparison of Tavernier and Barisic's output solidifies this point.
On that day – the hosts played a lop-sided 4-2-2-2. And while it worked, with Roofe’s goal vindication for playing two forwards, Sakala’s flexibility from the left surely makes his starting berth secure.
The Zambian can overload and attack the box but provides a plethora of differing options. As a threat in behind to stretch the game, a counterpressing tool and a one-on-one threat down the line.
If Gerrard's team can vary approach play down either flank - it should only aid their route to goal.
The first round of fixtures underlines that Brondby are one of the weakest side's in the competition. Three points should be the outcome for Rangers if second place is a realistic ambition.
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