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 team comfortably advanced through two stages of qualification to reach the main round of the Champions League. They defeated both opponents with clean sheets at home. Initially, the Scots overcame Panathinaikos with a 2-0 win and a 1-1 draw, followed by a victory over Viktoria Plzen (3-0 and 1-2). Notably, Rangers have failed to reach the autumn phase of this European competition in the previous two seasons. The club last participated 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 tournament (3 wins and 4 draws).
- Exactly two or three goals were scored in 90 minutes in Rangers' last 6 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 sidelined for an extended period due to injury.
Club Brugge
The Belgians began their European season in the 3rd qualifying round of the Champions League. In the previous stage, Nicky Hayen's team overcame Salzburg in both encounters (1-0 and 3-2). Interestingly, during the return leg in Belgium, Club Brugge trailed by two goals but managed to equalize in the final 10 minutes and snatch victory in added time. Last season, the club played in the main stage of the tournament, reaching the round of 16, but they secured a spot in the main draw of the Champions League directly, bypassing qualification matches.
- At least 3 goals were scored in regular time in 6 of the Belgians' last 7 Champions League matches.
- Both teams scored in 7 of Club Brugge's last 10 matches in this tournament.
- The team scored in regular time in 7 of their last 8 away games 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.
Referee
Francois Letexier (France)
Matches – 13 (International matches, 2024/25–2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 65;
Average yellow cards per match – 5;
Red cards shown – 4;
Average fouls per match – 22;
Penalties – 46%.
Rangers vs. Club Brugge: Match Prediction
Both opponents deserve a place in the main stage, so it's no surprise that bookmakers couldn't determine a favorite for the first leg. It's crucial to perform well at home in this matchup. The Scots advanced past their previous two opponents thanks to the support of their home fans, and in their last 5 home Champions League matches, they have avoided defeat in Glasgow 4 times (3 wins and 1 draw). Club Brugge, on the other hand, has not won in 7 of their last 10 away matches in this tournament (3 draws and 4 losses).
I also believe that the match will be high-scoring. The Scots rarely leave their stadium without scoring, 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 games in this tournament, with two or more goals scored in 5 of their last 6 away matches in this European competition.
My prediction: 1X and Total over 1.5 goals
