The first leg of the 2025/26 Champions League qualification playoff between Rangers (Scotland) and Club Brugge (Belgium) will take place on August 19 at Ibrox Stadium in Glasgow. Rangers vs. Club Brugge: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Rangers
Russell Martin's side had no trouble advancing through two stages of qualification to reach the main round of the Champions League. They defeated both opponents thanks to victories at home, keeping clean sheets. First, the Scots overcame Panathinaikos with a 2-0 win and a 1-1 draw, followed by a 3-0 win and a 1-2 loss against Viktoria Plzeň. Notably, Rangers have failed to reach the autumn stage of this European competition in the last two seasons. The club last played in the main draw of the Champions League in 2022.
- The Scots have not lost in regular time in 7 of their last 10 matches in this European competition (3 wins and 4 draws).
- Exactly two or three goals were scored in the last 90 minutes of 6 of Rangers' recent Champions League matches.
- At least 3 goals were scored in regular time in 9 of the club's last 11 home games in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Rangers (4-3-3)
Jack Butland – John Souttar, James Tavernier, Nasser Djiga, Jefte – Nicolas Raskin, Lyle Cameron, Mohamed Diomande – Jayden Gassama, Oliver Antman, Cyriel Dessers.
Forward Cyriel Dessers is out for an extended period due to injury.
Club Brugge
The Belgians began their European campaign from the 3rd qualifying round of the Champions League. In the previous stage, Nicky Hayen's side dealt with Salzburg in both encounters (1-0 and 3-2). Interestingly, during the second leg in Belgium, Club Brugge was trailing by two goals but managed to equalize in the last 10 minutes and snatch the victory in added time. Last season, the club played in the group stage of the tournament and even reached the Round of 16, but they gained direct entry into the main draw of the Champions League, bypassing the qualification matches.
- At least 3 goals were scored in regular time in 6 of the last 7 games involving the Belgians in the Champions League.
- Both teams scored in 7 of Club Brugge's last 10 matches in this tournament.
- The team has scored in regular time in 7 of their last 8 away matches in this European competition.
Predicted lineup for Club Brugge (4-3-3)
Simon Mignolet – Brandon Mechele, Bjorn Meijer, Jorne Spileers, Joaquin Sosa – Raphael Onyedika, Hans Vanaken, Ludovit Reis – Christos Tzolis, Romeo Vermant, Carlos Forbs.
Rangers vs. Club Brugge: Match Prediction
Both opponents deserve a place in the main stage, so it's no surprise that bookmakers couldn't decide on a favorite for the first leg. It's crucial to perform well at home in this matchup. The support of their home fans helped the Scots overcome their previous two opponents, and in their last 5 home Champions League matches, they have avoided defeat in Glasgow 4 times (3 wins and 1 draw). Meanwhile, Club Brugge has not won in 7 of their last 10 away matches in this tournament (3 draws and 4 losses).
I also believe the match will be high-scoring. The Scots rarely leave their stadium without goals, and at least two goals have been scored in their last 11 home Champions League matches. The Belgians have also managed to score in 7 of their last 8 away matches in this tournament, with two or more goals scored in 5 of their last 6 away games in this European competition.
My prediction – "1X and Total Over 1.5 goals"
