‘This is his moment’ – Beale asks more of Cifuentes-ZoomTech News

Venue: Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow Date: Thursday, 21 September Kick-off: 20:00 BST
Protection: Hear on BBC Radio Scotland Additional/DAB/810MW, reside textual content commentary on the BBC Sport web site & app

Michael Beale expects extra from summer time signing Jose Cifuentes and says “that is his second” to step up with Nicolas Raskin and Todd Cantwell each out for the subsequent month.

The Ecuadorian, 24, signed from Los Angeles FC in August.

“He has been right here for some time now. He was the final one in however I nonetheless assume he is prepared,” mentioned Ibrox boss Beale.

“He got here in very late and did some good issues in his first couple of video games. After which he was away on worldwide responsibility.

“Cifuentes did not play on the weekend as a result of he did not arrive again from South America till Friday morning and performed at altitude. He is able to go and Ryan Jack is there as nicely.

“Raskin is out till after the worldwide break with a calf downside. He took a kick [against St Johnstone] and afterwards that kick has given him an issue in his muscle. We’re shedding participant.”

Beale is aware of run within the Europa League would assist offset lacking out on the riches of the Champions League after his aspect misplaced to PSV Eindhoven within the ultimate qualifying spherical, and he would additionally relish including to Rangers’ listing of superb European nights.

Czech aspect Sparta Prague and Aris Limassol of Cyprus – who each gained their home titles final season – are the opposite groups within the group, whereas Actual Betis completed sixth in La Liga.

“There is a monetary aspect [to doing well] however there is a aggressive aspect as nicely,” added Beale, who admits Rangers are “anticipated to get out of the group”.

“You are enjoying in opposition to groups with completely different kinds who’re clearly profitable of their home leagues and that problem helps you domestically as a result of the extent is excessive and also you get uncovered to issues,” he mentioned.

“As a membership we’ve an enormous custom in Europe and it is essential we’ve season.

“Wanting on the stage of this group, I believe it’s going to go to the fifth and sixth sport till it will get concluded,” added Beale, who acknowledged Betis’ entrance 4 are “very, very harmful” and likewise praised their skilled worldwide midfield.

Workforce information

Rangers will probably be with out striker Danilo in addition to midfielders Cantwell and Raskin.

The Brazilian striker required surgical procedure on a nasty facial harm suffered at McDiarmid Park, whereas Cantwell was injured within the defeat in opposition to Celtic at Ibrox.

Former Manchester Metropolis keeper Claudio Bravo, 40, has recovered from harm and appears prone to play for Actual Betis after first-choice Rui Silva was pressured off on the weekend in opposition to Barcelona.

Skilled midfielders Andres Guardado of Mexico and Portugal’s William Carvalho in addition to Spanish winger Aitor Ruibal are additionally anticipated to be match for the guests.

Match stats

• Rangers and Actual Betis have by no means beforehand confronted one another in any European competitors, however the Gers are winless of their final 15 main European video games in opposition to Spanish groups (D7 L8) since a 1-0 win over Osasuna in September 1985 within the Uefa Cup.
• Actual Betis’ solely earlier encounter with a Scottish aspect in main European competitors was in opposition to Celtic within the 2021-22 Europa League group phases – they gained 4-3 at house earlier than shedding 3-2 away.
• Rangers have gained 5 of their final six house Europa League matches (D1) since a 2-0 defeat in opposition to Lyon in September 2021. That defeat to Lyon can be their solely house defeat within the group stage of the match (P12 W7 D4 L1).
• Actual Betis have misplaced simply twice of their final 19 Europa League group-stage matches (W11 D6), each away defeats within the 2021-22 season in opposition to Bayer Leverkusen and Celtic.
• James Tavernier has scored 10 objectives within the Europa League for Rangers – the one English gamers with extra objectives within the competitors are Marcus Rashford (13), Harry Kane (11) and Jermain Defoe (11). His seven objectives within the 2021-22 version have been probably the most by an English participant in a single season within the competitors’s historical past.