Smith expects 'big match' in Bremen March 06 2008
Rangers manager Walter Smith was thrilled to see his side clock up a surprise 2-0 win over Werder Bremen at Ibrox on Thursday night but insists their place in the last eight of the UEFA Cup is by no means guaranteed.
The Germans were not only favourites to progress from the last 16 ahead of this tie, they were hotly tipped to lift the trophy after reaching the semi-finals last season.
But goals from Daniel Cousin and Steven Davis means the Gers have a massive advantage ahead of next week's second leg in Bremen, where Smith confesses he is expecting a far more difficult encounter.
He said: "You don't have a side who retain the level of consistency that they do in a very difficult and competitive league and not have a level of pride.
"Their pride will be dented a little bit going back to their own ground where they don't lose very many games.
"It's going to be a big, big match. I've been there before a few years ago and I think we got over the halfway line three times and managed to win the game. It might be like that again next Thursday."
Speaking of this win, he added: "It is a massive result for us. Before the game I would have said to you that when you watch Bremen play, creation of opportunities in matches is fantastic, they create a lot of opportunities.
"We restricted them to few clear-cut chances. Allan McGregor had one save to make from a long-range shot so credit to our team for working hard to nullify their strengths.
"We are delighted with the result and we had to work extremely hard to get it. Scoring just before half-time was a big factor for us, as was scoring so early in the second half.
"It was also important not to concede a goal. We will need that clean sheet next week, there is no doubt about that and it's a big factor in European matches. We're obviously delighted that we didn't lose a goal."
Smith also singled out Cousin for praise and hopes the striker will soon be back at his best now that he has put his failed move to Fulham behind him.
Cousin spent several weeks on the sidelines while a decision over the £3million transfer was pending before the switch was eventually blocked by FIFA.
Smith said: "He played well tonight considering the fact he hasn't had a lot of playing time recently. Hopefully with the next few games coming thick and fast, we can get him back to full match fitness."
Bremen goalkeeper Tim Wiese could have done better at both goals but coach Thomas Schaaf refused to single him out for blame afterwards.
He said: "If you love football and you know how the players feel, I am sure you will know how he is feeling at the moment.
"He is upset but the team won't hold it against him. We work as a team. Was he unconcentrated? I don't think so.
"Mistakes happen, even in important games like this one. We just have to make sure we get something back in the second leg."
Asked what he now expects from the return leg in Germany next week, Schaaf added: "We will have to play very well because we are playing against very strong opponents.
"We will need to give a top performance. We know Rangers are very strong away from home so we will need to be at our peak for the second leg."