Rangers look to end Spanish misery

Valencia and Rangers lock horns at the Mestalla Stadium on Tuesday in a crucial Champions League group C match as both sides fight for second place and a spot in the knockout phase of the competition.

Rangers lie second sitting a point above Valencia after a tense 1-1 draw in Glasgow last time out and the stakes are high for the return match in Spain as the loser would have an uphill task to qualify for the last 16 stage.

Manchester United lead group C on seven points, two points ahead of Rangers and three ahead of Valencia leaving the duo tussling for second.

“It looks like it is between us and Rangers for second place so this game could be decisive,” said Valencia coach Unai Emery.

“We are not thinking about who are the favourites to go through, however, we are looking forward to the second match with optimism because we know Rangers better after the first game.”

Scottish champions Rangers drew 1-1 with Inverness Caledonian Thistle to see their 100 percent league start come to an end although their nine wins and a draw keep them top of the Scottish Premier League a point ahead of city rivals Celtic.

Rangers have never won in Spain with two draws and eight defeats from their 10 visits but manager Walter Smith believes his side, unbeaten in this season’s competition, can pull something out of the bag against Valencia.

“This second game against Valencia is going to be big for us but if we play as we’ve done in the first three games we’ve got a chance,” said Smith.

Former Scotland national coach Smith also played down fears over fatigue saying his team were delighted to be playing on all fronts.

“We have a lot of games and it will be difficult,” admitted Smith. “If you want to use that as an excuse on our behalf, fine. But I’d rather be involved in the Champions League.”

Valencia, Champions League finalists in 2000 and 2001, lost their last home group match 1-0 to Manchester United and have dipped of late with one point from the last nine in the league.

A 1-1 home draw against winless Real Zaragoza, who were also reduced to ten men, saw Valencia jeered off by their fans after the final whistle with the club now lying six points behind league leaders Real Madrid.

“The fans are aware of the role they have to play on Tuesday and that is to support us to the death like the Rangers fans did in Scotland,” said Spanish international winger Juan Mata. “We are not having the best time at the moment but I am sure it will turn around quickly.”

Veteran goalkeeper Cesar Sanchez, 39, missed Valencia’s draw with Zaragoza through illness but is expected to replace Miguel Angel Moya between the sticks.

Rangers have worries over 20-year-old Slovakian winger Vladimir Weiss, on loan from Manchester City, and US international midfielder Maurice Edu who were substituted after picking up knocks against Iverness Caledonian Thistle.

Valencia’s next match is at bottom side Bursaspor, who have to win a point in the group, on November 24 while Rangers host Manchester United at Ibrox Stadium.