Thomas Buffel sends Rangers warning over Saint Gilloise as he pinpoints key factor in landing Champions League riches

Former Rangers hero Thomas Buffel warned his old club could blow a Champions League jackpot if they make the mistake of treating Union Saint-Gilloise as minnows.

The ex-Belgian international spoke exclusively to Record Sport after the two outfits were paired up in the third round draw for UEFA’s elite event - with a £40m golden ticket at stake. Union completed a fairytale come back to top flight football last season after 48 years in the lower leagues only to be pipped to the title by big guns Brugge in the end of season play-offs.

And Buffel believes they are capable of giving Rangers the fright of their lives if Giovanni van Bronckhorst and his men are lulled into thinking they may have dodged a bullet by landing the Belgians in the draw. He said: “Normally, I don’t like to make too many predictions but this tie is going to be really difficult to call.

"To be fair, Rangers have the experience to get through but they have to think about this game the same way as they did when they played in the Europa League Final. If not, it’s going to be a tough one for them.

“With Giovanni there I know they will prepare properly – there is no doubt they won’t be ready – so I’m hopeful for Rangers that they can go through. But, trust me, this is not going to be easy.”

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