Rangers will be eager to build on the momentum from their impressive Europa League final run in 2022 as they prepare for this season’s European campaign.
With little left to play for in the Scottish Premiership aside from pride, Philippe Clement and his squad will set their sights on making a deep run on the continent, much like they nearly did in Seville three years ago.
The knockout stage draw for all European competitions took place on Friday, February 21, confirming Rangers’ place in the last 16 after securing a top-eight finish in the Europa League league phase with their victory over Union Saint-Gilloise at Ibrox on January 30.
Rangers’ Road to the Europa League Final
Following Friday’s draw, Rangers have been matched up against Fenerbahce in the Round of 16. The first leg will take place in Istanbul, with Jose Mourinho’s side visiting Ibrox for the return fixture next month.
If Clement’s men advance, they will face either Athletic Club (Bilbao) or Roma in the quarter-finals. A potential semi-final clash with Manchester United—whom Rangers previously faced at Old Trafford in January—could also be on the cards.
Further ahead, possible semi-final opponents include Lyon, Real Sociedad, and FCSB, while the final could see Rangers meet teams such as Tottenham—whom they drew against at Ibrox earlier this season—or 2022 final opponents Eintracht Frankfurt.
Rangers Thrive on the European Stage
Rangers have shown a remarkable ability to rise to the occasion in European competitions, often delivering performances beyond their domestic form.
While they have had their share of disappointing European outings, the contrast between their Europa League displays and their Premiership results is striking.
In 2022, they famously won 4-2 away at Borussia Dortmund, only to follow it up with league struggles against Dundee United and Motherwell. More recently, a commanding 4-0 win over FCSB at Ibrox in October came just days after a league defeat at Kilmarnock, while a 4-1 victory in Nice in November was preceded by a lackluster 1-1 draw with Dundee United.
European nights seem to bring a sense of unity and belief that isn’t always present in domestic competitions. However, this dynamic could shift if the proposed takeover by 49ers Enterprises goes through, potentially ushering in an era where Rangers’ dominance extends beyond European football.
