Red Star legend calls Rangers 'cream of the Europa League' as domestic warning has a familiar feel

Rangers have been described as the "cream of the Europa League" by a Red Star Belgrade legend.

And two-time Marakana boss Milorad Kosanovic has given his old club no chance of mounting a comeback in the return leg in Serbia's capital.

A thumping 3-0 win means the Ibrox side have one foot in the quarter-finals even with the intimidating trip to come on Thursday evening.

And while big VAR calls had Serbian pundits fuming Kosanovic has told them to take a leaf out of Rangers' book – as Giovanni van Bronckhorst's side "don't cry" when things don't go their way.

He said: "It should be pointed out that Rangers have been at this stage in European football for the past few years. They belong to the cream of the Europa League.

"Just look at their stadium. The noise, the atmosphere, full stands and fans singing for 90 minutes. It was a pleasure to watch the game.

"We get nothing like that in Serbia. We need to learn from it.

"As for the football, while I believe Red Star were unlucky and I think they could score two or even three goals at the Marakana, there is no way they won't concede.

"They have to give it a go, but they will be up against an opponent who plays good football, won't cry and doesn't cheat."

Kosanovic then made a point that may sound familiar from past seasons when Rangers and rivals Celtic have fallen short on the continent.

He continued: "In Serbia, Red Star and Partizan play against teams who are clearly not good enough and that's why they get such a shock at the upgrade of opposition when they play in Europe.

"Both Red Star and Partizan are really weak defensively. We Serbians have a higher opinion of our game than is realistic

"Red Star actually played a good game in Glasgow, but they were defeated by