Nightmare for van Bronckhorst as he stares at £40m Champions League exit

Giovanni van Bronckhorst watched his side crash to a 2-0 defeat at Union SG of Belgium in the first leg of their third round Champions League qualifier. 

It was a dismal night for the Europa League runners-up who are starting at a £40m loss if they fail to turn the tie around next Tuesday at Ibrox. 

Union opened the scoring in the 27th minute through Tuema then doubled their lead from the penalty spot in the 76th minute through Venzeir. 

About the only crumb of comfort for Alex Rae in the commentary box was a stoppage time goal-line clearance from James Tavernier that denied the Belgians a third goal. 

James Sands had a nightmare in the back three while Antonio Colak was posted missing in a new look front three. 

On Saturday Kilmarnock visit Ibrox in the SPFL but turning around a two goal deficit to cling on to the Champions League dream will be van Bronckhorst’s priority. 

The winners of this tie will play PSV Eindhoven or Monaco in the Play Off round with the Dutch side favourites to go through after earning a 1-1 draw in the French principality tonight.