Rangers have been sent a timely Champions League warning by Servette boss Rene Weiler.

The manager of the Swiss side insists his side "caused an explosion" by defeating Genk last night to progress to the next round of qualifying.

They will now of course face Michael Beale's team in a two-legged affair, with the first to be played at Ibrox.

Servette pulled off a shock to reach the third qualifying round of the UEFA competition, playing with ten men and securing a 3-3 draw on aggregate. Penalties decided the game, with the away team running out 4-1 winners over their Belgian hosts.

They are looking to reach the group stages of the Champions League for the very first time.

And Weiler reckons his team has the fighting spirit to continue their journey.

He told Swiss outlet SRF: "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."

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Rangers will provide a 'big hurdle' in the next round, the gaffer admits. 

However, it's a huge bonus to have secured some form of group stage European football in the months ahead.

He added: "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."

Glasgow Times:

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