GLASGOW - Barcelona defender Eric Abidal admits there is no danger of him underestimating Scottish football after his experiences with the France national team.
Barca travel to Glasgow to play Rangers on Tuesday in a Champions League clash but Abidal has learned the hard way not to write off Scottish teams, after being on the receiving end of two 1-0 defeats at the hands of the Tartan Army in Euro 2008 Qualifying.
He told www.fcbarcelona.com: "I have played against Scotland for France and we have lost twice. They play very aggressive football, it is much more physical."
He believes the Catalans must play to their strengths against Rangers, saying: "Barca must play their own game and not fall into the trap of playing like the opposition in one-on-one situations and physical duels."
Ronaldinho has been recalled to the Barcelona squad for Tuesday's Champions League match with Rangers at Ibrox.
The Brazilian was omitted from the Barca squad that lost 3-1 to Villarreal on Saturday after returning late from international duty, but he has been named in an 18-man party for the trip to Scotland.
Barca will be without Deco for that match though, after the Portuguese suffered a thigh injury against Villarreal that will keep him sidelined for around five weeks.
Also missing are Samuel Eto'o, Yaya Toure, Gianluca Zambrotta, Edmilson and Rafael Marquez as Barca face Rangers in the battle between two sides with 100% records in Group E.
Rangers boss Walter Smith has ruled Jean-Claude Darcheville and Brahim Hemdani out of his plans.
French striker Darcheville has been a key man in European games for Rangers since joining in the summer but a hamstring problem keeps him out, and holding midfielder Hemdani is struggling with a groin problem.
Rangers boss Walter Smith is relishing the Barca showdown at Ibrox - and admits fatigue could be a factor for both clubs.
He said: "There's a lot of games for everybody just now, Barcelona have a lot of international players who are travelling all over the world.
"Every club's having to do it and have to overcome it, so when the Barca game comes it's a terrific game to be involved in.
"I think Tuesday's game will stand on its own. We know we're playing one of the best teams in the world so I don't think the domestic situation will have that great an effect on how we feel or how we fare going into that game."
Smith was keen to single out skipper Barry Ferguson for praise after being in exceptional form for both club and country recently.
"Barry's been playing terrifically," he said. "You know it's a big ask for all the players.
"These Champions League and international games are big for the players to play in."
