5 best and worst Rangers scenarios for Europa League last 16 tie as Philippe Clement awaits foes.
Gers have made it into the knockout rounds again, but may face some tough hitters.
Rangers startled Europe, to some extent, when they defeated Real Betis in an improbable victory in Spain to secure their Europa League last-16 seeding.
Kemar Roofe’s late strike, along with goals from Abdallah Sima and Cyriel Dessers, helped the Light Blues defeat Betis despite the odds being in their favor.The Gers have been performing well both locally and at the Euros, and Philippe Clement hopes to continue this momentum.
The issue is facing some of the competition’s most powerful hitters in the knockout round, which is exactly what could happen when the draw is made on Friday.
There are still games to play in the second-legs this week, and Gers are seeded, except Liverpool, Leverkusen, and West Ham. At least in this round.
But who are the best-case scenarios that clubs like Gers could face? Alternatively, who do they hope to avoid?
Five excellent options.
SC Freiburg
The German team is struggling in the Bundesliga and is currently seventh in the standings. It hasn’t been their best season, but they’ve done well in Europe to get thus far. Recent home losses to Werder Bremen, Heidenheim, and Stuttgart have hampered them, and they were disappointing in their goalless draw with RC Lens in the first leg of their playoff.
On paper, the French team appears to be the clear pick over Benfica. Toulouse is currently ranked 13th in Ligue 1, having won only five of their 22 league games. They’re not in the best of condition, and even if they beat the Portuguese in the second leg, it could be a favorable draw for Gers.
Sparta Prague
Gers know they can overcome the Czechs, and if they can get past Galatasaray despite a close setback in the first leg, Clement and his team will be certain they can do it again in the last 16.
Rennes
As unlikely as it is that the French side will advance, Rangers have every reason to hope so! They face an uphill task to make it into the round after being thrashed by AC Milan in the first round, but if they can shake up the competition and advance – even if they gain heart from that – Gers will undoubtedly be optimistic over two legs.
Young Boys
They may be winning the Swiss League, but the alternatives could give harder competition for the Premiership leaders. Recent form hasn’t been great, with defeats to Basel and Sporting, and a league draw with Lugano. The last time the two sides met, Gers defeated them, and they’d like to do it again.
Five worst alternatives.
AC Milan
The Italian giants finished third in their Champions League group, but they are now in serious position to win the Europa League. With players like Olivier Giroud, Rafa Leão, and Christian Pulisic, third place in Serie A is a difficult accomplishment to achieve, even at the Ibrox.
Roma
They may no longer have the Special One, Jose Mourinho, but they remain a formidable force. Their 1-1 tie in the first leg against Feyenoord should have been a triumph, but they have quality players like Romelu Lukaku and Pablo Dybala who can test any opponent.
The Portuguese giants are leading their division and have only lost once in league football. A win over Toulouse in the opening leg also puts them in good shape for this one. Of the available opponents, you’d have to say Gers has easier foes.
Marseille
At first sight, the French side’s ninth-place finish in the league table might lead you to believe they’d make an easier mark. However, a closer look at their Euro run reveals that they are soaring. They finished second in their group, behind Brighton, after a 3-3 draw with Ajax and a 4-3 victory against the Dutch heavyweights. Rino Gattuso’s dismissal may have left them in chaos, but with players like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Ismaila Sarr, and Iliman Ndiaye, they should never be written off.
Qarabag
They are not the biggest name in the competition right now, but they are playing well enough to deserve respect. They are also in good shape and play with confidence, as they are at the top of their league by a long shot. They have a 4-2 aggregate lead from their first-leg match against Braga, which was played away from home, to take back to Azerbaijan, and they would undoubtedly be a dark horse.
Leave a Reply