MFF won the first match at home in the third round of the qualifiers, after two quick goals by Søren Rieks and Veljko Birmancevic. Rangers’ Steven Davis, however, reduced the lead in the 95th minute at Eleda Stadium and changed the conditions for the return in Glasgow.
– It is clear that it was a big disappointment for us, and for our supporters at the stadium that you could see. It is still a good result for us, but coming here with only an odd goal lead makes a big difference, says Anders Christiansen at Tuesday’s press conference.
He continues:
– But it is a big surprise if we move on from this round, even if we have the ticket in our hands. We will do everything to defend it and attack tomorrow. I still think the Rangers are the biggest favorite to win the game. They also need to win it if you look at the budget, the players and so on.
Transfermarkt values Rangers’ squad at just over one billion kronor. Malmö FF’s ditto is about a quarter of that figure, which Jon Dahl Tomasson touches on in his reasoning:
– We should always dream of beating the big favorite, and it is Rangers in this case. If you look at the financial part, we can not compare the two teams – they are in a completely different league. In normal cases, money is the basis for results – despite that, we won last week, says the MFF coach.
He continues:
– Each player should take the chance and write a new chapter in Malmö’s great history. My players will be highly motivated tomorrow against a very good team, with excellent players and an excellent manager, and a club that is back where it belongs.
Jon Dahl Tomasson is clear when he puts the pressure on Rangers:
– Do not you think they need the Champions League money here? I think so.
MFF beat the Scottish club in the same qualifying round ten years ago. Less than twelve months later, the Rangers went bankrupt after lengthy problems.
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