Half-full or half-empty, it’s still a cup to be won
Brendan Rodgers may be doing his best to talk it up, but there is no doubt that the Europa League challenge ahead is being viewed very differently by Rangers and Celtic. The Old Firm clubs begin their group campaigns this week with ties against Villarreal and Rosenborg respectively. And, for me, those two games sum it all up. One glass is half empty, the other half full. Rangers are off to Spain for a reunion with a La Liga club they met in the Champions League last 16 back in 2006. You just need to mention the names of South American superstars Riquelme and Diego Forlan to realise what sort of level they were at then. While they are not there now, the capture of former Arsenal favourite Santi Cazorla in the summer shows they are still a power in the game. Celtic, by contrast, host a Norwegian club they have already played and comfortably beaten – in Europe this season and last! That must be some kind of record. OK, they were both trying to get into the Champions League when they met in the matches at the end of July and start of August, having done likewise last year. All the same, September still seems far too soon for them to be coming up against one another again. Especially when they do so against a backdrop of disappointment at missing out on the massive riches and glamour to be had in the Champions League groups. Thursday night’s game will be a tough sell to the supporters and the other teams in their group, the two Red Bull-backed clubs of Salzburg and Leipzig, aren’t the most glamourous either. Not when compared to Spartak Moscow and Rapid Vienna, Rangers’ remaining opposition. Celtic will have to get themselves up for the games, though, because what they do offer is a great chance for them to progress into the later stages of one of Europe’s two big club competitions. We only need to look back to their run to Seville in 2003 and Rangers’ march to Manchester in 2008 to see what excitement that can throw up. Getting further than their rivals would also guarantee they not only maintain, but extend, their financial edge. Because, on paper at least, Rangers face a much tougher task. They will, however, have noted that Villarreal’s domestic form has not been great, so they will hope they are catching them at a good time. If that is the case, then Steven Gerrard’s side’s performances in the run-up to the group will give them confidence they can take something from the tie. Whatever happens, it will be a great occasion for supporters of the Ibrox club who have waited years for them to get back to the level. And, from a Scottish perspective, it is great to have two clubs still involved at this time of year. Good luck to them both.