UEFA Champions League Playoff: Club Brugge vs Glasgow Rangers Live on RTÉ 2

The highly anticipated UEFA Champions League playoff match between Club Brugge and Glasgow Rangers will kick off on Wednesday, 27 August 2025, at 20:00 UK time. Fans in Ireland can catch all the live action on RTÉ 2 Ireland (HD) and on the RTÉ Player for geo-restricted streaming. This crucial second leg of the playoff round will take place at the Jan Breydel Stadium in Bruges, with Club Brugge currently holding a 3-1 aggregate lead following their first-leg victory in Glasgow.^[3]^[4]

RTÉ 2’s coverage will be expertly led by presenter Peter Collins, a familiar face known for his extensive experience in sports broadcasting on Irish television. The main commentary will be delivered by Darragh Maloney, one of Ireland’s most respected football commentators who has provided live commentary for numerous major tournaments including the UEFA Champions League and the FIFA World Cup. Alongside him will be co-commentator Pat Fenlon, a former League of Ireland player and manager with a wealth of football insight, known for offering tactical analysis and candid views during broadcasts.^[4]

Match Background and Stakes

The first leg held at Ibrox Stadium saw the Belgian side impose a commanding 3-1 victory over Rangers, leaving the Scottish side with a tough task for the return fixture. Club Brugge struck early and consistently, with goals from R. Vermant, J. Spileers, and B. Meccl putting them on course to advance. Rangers responded with determination, scoring through Danilo in a match filled with intense tactical battles. The return leg on 27 August promises to be a thrilling encounter as Rangers need to overturn the two-goal deficit to reach the group stages of Europe’s premier club competition.^[1]^[4]

How to Watch

Fans in the Republic of Ireland will be able to watch the game live on RTÉ 2 in high definition, with the option to stream via the RTÉ Player – the broadcaster’s official online service. The RTÉ Player application supports geo-restrictions, ensuring those in Ireland have access to the live broadcast. This makes it a convenient choice for viewers who want to experience full coverage with expert commentary from Collins, Maloney, and Fenlon.

The timing of the match at 20:00 UK time suits viewers across the British Isles, offering a prime-time evening kick-off. Unlike UK terrestrial channels such as BBC or ITV, which currently do not hold rights for this specific fixture, RTÉ’s coverage ensures Irish audiences are well catered for during this critical stage of the competition.

Profiles of the RTÉ Broadcast Team

Peter Collins has built a solid reputation as a presenter on RTÉ's flagship sports programmes. With years of experience covering football from domestic leagues to international tournaments, his smooth presentation style helps to set the scene and keep viewers engaged throughout high-stakes matches.

Darragh Maloney is one of Ireland’s foremost football commentators, renowned for his clear, passionate commentary and ability to capture the drama of major football events. His voice has been part of RTÉ’s coverage of the UEFA Champions League for many years, bringing seasoned professionalism to each match call.

Pat Fenlon brings a deep understanding of the game shaped by his career as both a player and a manager in Irish football. His analyses often provide strategic insights that enrich RTÉ's broadcasts, helping viewers appreciate the tactical nuances on display during games of this calibre.

Background on the Teams

Club Brugge are one of Belgium’s most successful clubs with a rich European history. Underpinned by a blend of experienced internationals and talented youth, they have regularly featured in UEFA competitions, making them a formidable opponent.

Glasgow Rangers are likewise steeped in tradition and European pedigree. Currently managed by interim coach Barry Ferguson, Rangers are eager to regain their place in Europe’s top tier after a challenging season domestically. The player performances and tactical evolution observed in the first leg set the stage for a compelling return match in Bruges.^[1]

Further Information and Live Updates

For live scores, statistics and detailed match analysis, fans can visit Sofascore's dedicated page.
Comprehensive pre-match predictions and team news can be found on RatingBet.
ESPN offers in-depth coverage of this fixture and football news generally for British and global audiences at ESPN Soccer.