BARCELONA manager Xavi is adamant that Rangers are firmly in contention to lift this season's Europa League. 

The Spanish legend admits ha's always been struck by the atmosphere inside Ibrox and Parkhead whenever he faced either Old Firm club as player. 

And the Barca boss reckons Giovanni van Bronckhorst's side have every chance of European glory this campaign. 

The Light Blues takes on Braga in the quarter-finals this week and next for a place in the last-four.

While many will see Barcelona as tournament favourites, including the bookies, Xavi has refused to accept that tag.

Xavi told the Daily Record: “People will say Barcelona are favourites because of history and they are used to seeing us play in the Champions League – but this is not the Champions League. We are contenders, we have a big chance, but I will not sit here and say we are favourites.

“The quarter-finals are very strong and at this stage everybody involved will feel they have a chance to win.

“As somebody who has played in Glasgow, nobody is going to get an easy time against Rangers. But it is a competition we are taking seriously and want to win.”