PSV still bear Rangers Champions League scars as revenge is on Walter Benitez's mind with Ibrox danger men identified

Walter Benitez says PSV still bear the mental scars from losing to Rangers a year ago - and that’s why they’re out for Champions League revenge.

The Argentinean was part of the side who were knocked out in the play-off round last summer after a 3-2 aggregate defeat. They’ll be back at Ibrox on Tuesday night for their crucial first-leg and Benitez insists they’re ready to settle a score. After scoring seven goals against Sturm Graz in the qualifying rounds, the 30-year-old believes they’re destined for the group stage.

Ahead of the Rangers tie in midweek, he told Francisco Acedo: “The summer of 2022 is still in our heads, especially being knocked out in our own stadium. Now, it’s time for us to get revenge on the pitch. There is no favourite in this tie, it’s a 50/50 match. But PSV are prepared to beat Rangers. We showed our level in the last round against the Austrians who were a difficult opponent. To score seven goals in any round isn’t just down to luck. This squad is very focused on getting PSV back to the group stage of the Champions League.

“We want to win in Scotland, that’s the challenge for us. But I believe the tie will be decided at home in the second game. That’s an advantage for us.”

Benitez revealed that Peter Bosz’s side have already watched Rangers in action before the play-off tie. He rates Ibrox keeper Jack Butland highly but says fellow South Americans, Jose Cifuentes and Danilo, are the two main dangers to PSV in Michael Beale’s line-up. Benitez said: “We’ve watched a lot of videos on Rangers and the team has changed their style of play from a year ago. Butland is an excellent goalkeeper with a lot of experience - it’s not easy to score a goal against him.

“But I know about Cifuentes and Danilo who