Date: Tuesday, 19 August
Kick-off: 20:00 BST
Venue: Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow
Coverage: BBC Radio Scotland Extra & Sounds, BBC Sport website & app

Rangers begin one of their most important fixtures in recent years on Tuesday night as they welcome Club Brugge to Ibrox for the first leg of their Champions League play-off. Head coach Russell Martin, who arrived in the summer, insists he is relishing the challenge and has urged his players to embrace the pressure.

Martin calls for joy and belief

The Rangers boss has faced questions after a mixed start domestically, with two league draws and a hard-fought cup win over Alloa. But he says the pressure does not bother him:

“I keep telling my mum, don’t worry about it. I’m enjoying it. I really believe we can do this,” Martin said.

He wants his squad to play with “a bit more joy” at Ibrox, highlighting the need to fight through difficult spells while trusting each other.

Key Points Ahead of the Match

• Rangers are aiming to reach the Champions League group stage for the first time in three years.

• Forward Cyriel Dessers is a fitness doubt after an injury against Viktoria Plzen.

• Nicolas Raskin is expected to return after being rested at the weekend.

• Loan signing Jayden Meghoma has been registered but may not feature.

• Club Brugge travel with star winger Christos Tzolis, a key attacking outlet.

Who are Club Brugge?

Brugge enter the tie with strong European experience, having reached the last 16 of the Champions League last season. They sold several key players this summer, including Ardon Jashari and Maxim De Cuyper, but remain dangerous in attack.

Greek international Tzolis and Portuguese winger Carlos Forbs provide pace and direct threat out wide, while captain Hans Vanaken continues to be a creative force from midfield. Brugge coach Nicky Hayen expects a tactical battle, noting both teams prefer to dominate possession.

What’s at stake

For Rangers, victory across two legs would secure both the financial rewards of Champions League qualification and a major confidence boost for Martin’s new-look squad.

“This is huge,” Martin admitted. “It would mean everything for the team, the club and the supporters.”

The second leg takes place in Belgium next week, but Ibrox on Tuesday night will set the tone for Rangers’ European hopes.