For supporters of the Gers, Friday’s draw will be the focus of attention, and it might provide something unique.

Now that Rangers have reached the pinnacle of the Scottish Premiership, their focus will shift to Europe and this Friday’s much awaited last-16 match at the House of European Football in Nyon.

Though the amazing historic night versus Real Betis seems like a lifetime ago, the Light Blue legions only celebrated their first-ever victory on Spanish territory a few months ago. Following their victory in their Europa League group, Philippe Clement and his side advanced directly to the last 16 as the top-seeded team, bypassing the round of 32.

Despite using last week’s free week to fit in their domestic match against Ross County, they haven’t been able to fully relax. However, this midweek, they can unwind while 16 teams compete to join them in the hat in Switzerland. While there are many well-known opponents they may encounter, fans are always excited about the possibility of something new, so they will soon be pulling out their passports. Here, Record Sport examines six possible rivals that they have never faced in a European competition.

Qarabag

After some strong results in Europe under the old Light Blues manager, Rangers supporters created a terrace chant regarding visiting Baku during Steven Gerrard’s debut season. The 2019 final was held in the capital of Azerbaijan, however they had to wait a further three years to fulfil their ambition of going to Seville. However, given their 4-2 first-leg lead against Braga—a team Rangers are well-acquainted with from previous years—after their match in Portugal, Baku might be on the schedule this season.

Qarabag, the team Celtic played in the Champions League qualifying round, have already created history by being the first Azerbaijani team to get this far. Their best player, Abdellah Zoubir, who scored against Aberdeen while on loan from Hibs, is pictured above. Celtic has been connected to Qarabag this week.

Freiburg

The Bundesliga team, led by Junior Adamu, one of Europe’s rising stars, would be a formidable foe. For thirteen years, under Christian Streich’s leadership, the Germans have routinely performed above expectations. And they will be confident in their chances of making it to the round of sixteen after securing a scoreless draw against Lens in France.

Toulouse

Rangers would theoretically have an easier time drawing the French team because they are currently languishing in 13th position in Ligue 1. However, they face a formidable opponent after falling to Benfica 2-1 in their first leg, even though the match took place in Lisbon. Thus, it is possible that they are traveling to the southern region of France.

rivals of the Rangers Although Celtic has faced the Ukrainian team numerous times, this would be the first time for the Light Blues. Rangers doesn’t need a reminder of the past against the French team if they advance, but if they do, they won’t have to travel to the war-torn nation because Shakhtar will be playing their home games in Hamburg, a city with whom Gers supporters have strong ties. With the French team, who just sacked former Ibrox star Rino Gattuso, it is 2-2 after the first leg.

RC Lens

The new Rangers winger Oscar Cortes’s parent club is the French team that is currently sixth in the top flight of France. Depending on the conditions of his contract, a tie with the Ligue 1 team might knock the Colombian out. When this competition was still known as the UEFA Cup in 1999–2000, they fell to Arsenal in the semi-finals, ending their finest European run. They have everything to play for after being held to a goalless draw by SC Freiburg at home in the first leg.

Roma

Even though Jose Mourinho is no longer in charge of Rome’s famous Stadio Olimpico, visiting the Italian city would still be an exciting opportunity. They are in a precarious position right now, trailing Feyenoord 1–1 after the first leg of their last-32 match in Rotterdam. After six games in charge, 40-year-old club great Daniele De Rossi’s team is looking good and will be the favorites to advance. The former Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham is a member of the Italian team, who are presently sixth in Serie A. Although Alex McLeish’s team defeated the Italians 4-1 in a friendly match in 2004, Rangers have never engaged in competitive competition.

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