Ajax vs Rangers: How to watch Champions League fixture on TV, live stream, kick-off time and team news

Rangers will travel to the Netherlands to face Ajax in their Champions League Group A opener on Wednesday, with Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side looking to bounce back from a heavy Old Firm derby defeat.

After a 12-year absence, the Ibrox club has finally returned to the biggest European stage after defeating PSV Eindhoven in the play-off round last month.

However, Rangers are facing tough odds compared to Eredivisie champions Ajax, who have won their opening five league games to sit top of the table with 15 points.

The Gers suffered one of their worst defeats in a decade at the weekend when they lost to rivals Celtic 4-0 at Parkhead - and with Ajax, Liverpool, and Napoli in the same group, van Bronckhorst’s squad is up against formidable competition.

Rangers will also strive for a victory, especially against a team that is known for playing at a high pace throughout the whole match and denying their opponents any opportunity to create their own style.

Last season’s Europa League finalists arrive in Amsterdam having won on their two previous visits to the city and a victory would boost their chances of progressing to the knockout rounds.

Ajax, who lost manager Erik ten Haag to Manchester United and a host of key players including Anthony and Lisandro Martinez earlier this summer, have made an impressive start to their title defence.

New signing Steven Bergwijn has looked a class act since his arrival and the three-time European Cup winners have won all four of their previous meetings with the Scottish giants.

We’ve gathered all the information you need on the match and how to watch it below…

Where is the game taking place & what time does the match kick-off?

Who: AFC Ajax vs Rangers

What: UEFA Champions League - Group A (Matchday 1)

Where: Johan Cruyff Arena, Amsterdam (35,000 capacity)

When: Wednesday, September 7th – kick-off 5.45pm (UK time)

How to watch on TV – Is there a live stream?

Yes, the game will be broadcast live exclusively on BT Sport 4. Coverage begins at 5pm - 45 minutes before kick-off - with post-match coverage until 10.30pm. The match will also be available to live stream on the BT Sport app, which is free to download on iOS and Android phones and tablets.

A pay-per-view option will be available via RangersTV and can be purchased through the club’s official website.

How to sign up to BT Sport

BT Sport is available to customers with an existing BT package by the following options:

The “Big Sport” package, which teams BT Sport channels with Sky’s NOW Sport packages, is available for £41 per month (24 month contract, upfront fee: £39.99)

BT’s standard “Sport” package, which includes BT Sport 1, 2, 3 and 4, is available for £16.99 per month (24 month contract, upfront fee: £39.99)

There is also the cheaper BT Sport app, which allows all four BT Sport channels to be streamed on laptops, tablets and smartphones, for £16 per month (24 month contract).

What are the latest match odds?

AJAX 2/5 | DRAW 15/4| RANGERS 6/1

According to the bookmakers, Ajax are strong favourites to emerge victorious on Matchday 1. 20-year-old striker Brian Brobbey is 10/3 favourite to score first in the match, with Dusan Radic available at 4/1. Alfredo Morelos is the value bet at 9/1.

*Odds from BET365 correct at time of writing*

Who are the match officials?

German referee Tobias Stieler has been selected by UEFA to take charge of the second leg. He will take charge of a Rangers game for the third time having previously been the man in the middle for two Europa League 2nd round qualifiers against Alashkert (Aug 2021) and FK Ufa (Aug 2018).

The 41-year-old will be assisted by his fellow countrymen Christian Gittelmann and Eduard Beitinger, with Matthias Jollenbeck named as the fourth official. Christian Dingert is the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).

What’s the team news ahead of Ajax vs Rangers?

Giovanni van Bronckhorst hinted he still stick with under fire goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin between the sticks in Amsterdam after his abject display in Saturday’s 4-0 defeat to Glasgow rivals Celtic.

Fans and pundits have called for veteran stopper Allan McGregor to take over the gloves going forward but the Dutchman confirmed in his press conference that he will give McLaughlin a chance to redeem himself.

Tom Lawrence joins Ianis Hagi, John Souttar and Filip Helander on the sidelines for an extended period of time, while Kemar Roofe and Ben Davies are back in light training but are still a few weeks away from being ready to play.

Alfredo Morelos returned to the matchday squad at the weekend and made a substitute appearance in the second half against Celtic, but the Colombian may have to settle for a place on the bench again, with Antonio Colak expected to lead the line.

Ajax boss Alfred Schreuder confirmed that left-back Owen Wijndal misses out with an ankle injury, while midfielder Mohamed Ihattaren remains sidelined due to fitness issues. Nigerian defender Calvin Bassey is set to face his former club.