The first playoff match of the 2025/26 Champions League qualifiers 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 comfortably navigated through two qualification stages 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, and then they triumphed over Viktoria Plzeň (3-0 and 1-2). Notably, Rangers failed to advance to the autumn stage of this European tournament in the last two seasons. The club last participated in the Champions League main draw 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 6 of Rangers' last Champions League matches over 90 minutes.
- 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, Jephte – 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. Nicky Hayen's side defeated Salzburg in both legs (1-0 and 3-2). Interestingly, during the return leg in Belgium, Club Brugge was trailing by two goals but managed to equalize and snatch victory in stoppage time. Last season, the club reached the round of 16 in the tournament, having directly qualified for the main draw without going through the qualifiers.
- At least 3 goals were scored in regular time in 6 of Club Brugge's last 7 Champions League games.
- Both teams scored over 90 minutes in 7 of the team's last 10 matches in this tournament.
- The club 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 Sais – 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 spot in the main stage, so it's no surprise that bookmakers couldn't determine a favorite for the first leg. In this matchup, it's crucial to perform well on home turf. Thanks to the support of their home fans, the Scots overcame two previous opponents. Moreover, in their last 5 home Champions League matches, the team has not lost 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 the match will be high-scoring. The Scots rarely leave their field without a goal, and at least two goals have been scored in their last 11 home Champions League matches. Meanwhile, the Belgians have scored in 7 of their last 8 away matches in this tournament, and two or more goals have been scored in 5 of Club Brugge's last 6 away games in this European competition.
My prediction – 1X and Total over 1.5 goals
* The starting lineup for each team is based on their last match in this tournament.
