Ibrox Jul would be dream for Sanchez

Jul 6 2008 By Gavin Berry

ANDORRAN minnows Santa Coloma are dreaming of playing at Ibrox and reckon taking on Rangers would give them a lifetime of memories.

Midfielder Juli Sanchez is desperate to shock Lithuanians FBK Kaunas and set up a Champions League qualifier with last season's UEFA Cup finalists.

Kaunas were favourites to face Gers last term at the same stage only to fall against Serbians FC Zeta.

And the men from Andorra are hoping history repeats itself.

Sanchez said: "If we analyse it Kaunas are superior to us but it is our dream to progress and play Rangers.

"I have watched some of Rangers' matches on TV from last season and for any player a match at Ibrox would be remembered forever.

"The atmosphere looks sensational and there is so much history in Scottish football. We have to give everything we've got against Kaunas."

Santa Coloma played 20 matches last season in the Andorran league - where there is also a club called Rangers - and won 14. They suffered just one defeat.

They have signed five new players but coach Vicente Marques isn't happy with their draw. He said: "Kaunas are the worst possible opponents.

"It means a long trip to play and the second-match is away from home. I would have preferred another team but we're working as hard as possible.

"Kaunas are favourites but anything can happen in 180 minutes of football. It will almost be a miracle ifwe beat Kaunas and to play Rangers would be the greatest moment of my career.

"To be champions of Andorra is our maximum achievement but it would be unique to play a team like Rangers.

Nobody can match us for spirit and pride but to beat Kaunas we also need luck."

New French keeper Salim Taa said: "Nobody in the squad is defeated yet but Kaunas are the favourites.

"I've seen Scottish football on TV and the quality of football and stadiums is impressive. I want to fulfil my dream of playing there."

Meanwhile, Kaunas' Brazilian midfielder and star man Rafael Gaucho (below) knows the Lithuanians will switch from favourites to underdogs if they pull through to face Gers.

He said: "If we do progress then Rangers are massive opponents.

"They were UEFA Cup finalists and we won't be under any illusions that we will be the underdogs should we meet."