Rangers take on Aris Limassol next week, but the Cypriot side first face a meeting with a rather forgettable ex-Gers player in Dalcio.
The final international break of 2023 is coming to an end and club football will now take full focus once again.
Rangers have had a handful of players travelling around the world to play for their countries, but will now be heading back to Glasgow.
This weekend’s trip to Aberdeen will be the priority, but Rangers also face a crucial game against Aris Limassol next Thursday.
Rangers are in a strong position to qualify for the Europa League knockout stages and a win over Aris would take the pressure off ahead of facing Real Betis.Aris Limassol set to face Dalcio just days ahead of Rangers clash
Aris Limassol face Dalcio challenge ahead of Rangers clash
Aris beat Rangers in Cyprus but were hammered 4-1 by Karmiotissa before the international break.
Rangers should be winning this kind of game and will have one eye on how Aris performs against title rivals APOEL this weekend.
APOEL sit top of the table, just three points ahead of third-place Aris, so this is a real top-of-the-table battle.
Some Rangers fans may even pay attention to that game, and they will see a familiar name involved: Dalcio.
Dalcio Will Probably Go Down As One Of The Most Forgettable Rangers Signings In Recent Years.
Pedro Caixinha pounced to sign Dalcio on loan from Benfica’s B team in 2017, believing he had major potential.
Dalcio spent the full season at Ibrox but managed just one league appearance for the Gers.
Dalcio made absolutely no impact at Rangers and didn’t make a single appearance following Caixinha’s sacking.
So what has become of Dalcio since his Rangers exit?
Dalcio headed back to former club Belenenses before completing a permanent exit from Benfica, joining Greek side Panetolikos.
Ionikos pounced in 2021 before Dalcio headed to Cyprus in 2022, signing on the dotted line with APOEL.
Now 27, Dalcio has become a Guinea-Bissau international and has bounced back from a testing spell in Glasgow.
What may baffle Rangers fans is that Dalcio has completely reinvented himself in a new position.
A winger during his time at Rangers, Dalcio now plays as a central midfielder for APOEL and is playing a key role.
Dalcio has started all but one league game so far this season, chipping in with two assists.
APOEL have won seven league games in a row and can seriously damage the Aris confidence levels ahead of their trip to Ibrox – with Dalcio potentially vital.
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