Rangers fired Champions League warning by Servette boss as Swiss chief says they caused an 'explosion'

Servette boss Rene Weiler claims his side caused an "explosion" by coming from behind against Genk to book at clash with Rangers in Champions League qualifying.

But he conceded Michael Beale's men will provide a steep "hurdle" for his side when they make the trip to Ibrox next Wednesday in the first leg of their third round qualifier. The 10-men Swiss team pulled off a shock result against the Belgians after battling back to a 3-3 aggregate draw led to a 4-1 penalty shoot-out victory. And delighted Weiler reckons the result will have stunned viewers across Europe as they look to reach the group stage for the first time.

The result seals a minimum of Europa League group stage football for the minnows this term. Speaking to Swiss outlet SRF post-match the boss said: "My players have caused an explosion. In terms of intensity and teamwork, they delivered a top performance.

"They fought for each other. We are now at least certain of the group stage of the Europa League. That is extraordinary for us and for Swiss football. Mentally it was also a top performance. They really deserved this qualification. Of course you also have to be lucky."

He was then quizzed on playing Rangers in the next round, but was coy on his sides chance of seeing off the Scottish Premiership side - admitting it was already a boost to be guaranteed a spot in the second tier Euro competition. Weiler said: "We made several people very proud today. This victory was important for Swiss football. It's important that we can play in Europe but those are always big hurdles."