Rangers Champions League third qualifying round date revealed as Ibrox set to rock in group stage quest

The date for Rangers crunch Champions League third qualifying first leg tie at home to Genk or Servette has been confirmed by UEFA.

Michael Beale's men face either the Belgian or Swiss league runners up in their attempt to reach the group stage. The Light Blues will look to gain an advantage with a packed Ibrox behind them and that match will take place on Wednesday, August 9 (kick off 7.45pm).

The second leg was already confirmed for Tuesday, August 15 - all qualifiers are taking place that night with the European Super Cup the following evening - with a short trip across the North Sea to Belgium or a flying visit to the Alps. Should Gers progress against Genk or Servette, they will face one of Marseille, PSV Eindhoven, Sturm Graz, Dnipro-1 or Panathinaikos, with the draw for the play off taking place on Monday, August 7.

A 12-year hiatus from Europe's premier cup competition saw the Gers upset the odds last season to qualify for the group stages following a 3-2 comeback victory over Union Saint-Gilloise and an incredible 1-0 win over PSV Eindhoven away from home in the play-off round. It didn't quite go to plan for Gio van Bronckhorst in the group stages - with the club boasting the worst record in group stage history - but Beale will be desperate to improve on that this season.

Follow Record Sport on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for all of the up-to-the minute breaking news, video and audio on the SPFL, the Scotland national team and beyond.

You can also follow our dedicated Rangers and Celtic podcast pages and sign up to our newsletters to make sure you never miss a beat throughout the season.