PSV send Rangers Champions League warning as Sturm Graz hammering is first step on path to revenge chance

PSV have one foot in the Champions League playoff round after hammering Sturm Graz 4-1.

The winners of the third round qualifying tie will face either Rangers or Servette for a place in the group stage, with the Michael Beale's side hosting the Swiss outfit at Ibrox on Wednesday night. But there would seem to be not much doubt left as to who will lie in wait following a convincing first leg win for the Eindhoven club.

Isaac Babadi got them started after just four minutes before a Luuk de Jong double had the tie virtually over by the 32 minute mark. Sturm Graz pulled one back five minutes before the break through Jon Stankovic. But new signing from Motherwell Max Johnston could only watch on from the bench as Ibrahim Sangare restored the three goal advantage to ensure the hosts have a healthy lead to take to Austria next week.

If Gers can take care of Servette then it will be a rerun of last year's playoff round showdown. PSV came to Ibrox and were held to a 2-2 draw before the decisive leg at Phillips Stadion.

With Alfredo Morelos benched by then Gers boss Gio van Bronckhorst over fitness and attitude concerns, it was stand-in Antonio Colak who did the damage. He netted the only goal of the game to send Rangers through, netting £40million in the process.

But there was harsh reality check when the real stuff started. Heavy defeats to Liverpool, Napoli and Ajax saw the Glasgow giants finish bottom of the group, without a point, and the unwanted record of worst team to compete in that stage of the competition.

Michael Beale is desperate for his players to get the chance to give a better account of themselves this year. And barring an almighty collapse, it will be PSV standing in the way once again if they can get through.