UNION Saint-Gilloise boss Karel Geraerts has claimed his side lost the Champions League qualifier against Rangers LAST WEEK.

The Belgian club boss told the media after the 3-0 loss at Ibrox that the failure to score more than two goals at home proved costly.

Union took a 2-0 lead to Glasgow but were dumped out of Champions League qualifying with Rangers winning by three goals in front of a packed Ibrox crowd.

And despite facing criticism over 'disrespectful' celebrations after the home win last week Geraerts insists it was always going to be a mammoth task even with a two-goal lead.

John Lundstram had slammed Union players and staff for celebrations after the first leg which had been rebuffed by Geraerts.

Ahead of the second leg, he said: “I think after the win we were happy.

"When my players win in training or in games they are happy that they have won. This is our culture. It’s not disrespect for the opponent. Not at all.

“We were happy for us and the efforts we made and we celebrated together, but the respect we have for Rangers is very, very big, I can tell you this."

And after the European exit this evening, Geraerts admitted the home leg cost his side.

“It was lost last week for us because it was only 2-0 in the home game,” he said.

“I think at that moment we played better and had chances to score a third goal. 

“So we knew when we came to the away game in this great stadium with this magnificent crowd that it would be hard."