RANGERS have learned their Europa League fate – with their path right through to the final mapped out if they can make it that far.
Going into today’s last 16 draw, Philippe Clement‘s side knew they would face either Jose Mourinho‘s Fenerbahce or Norwegian shock troops Bodo/Glimt.
Philippe Clement has the chance to do something special[/caption]
Rangers produced a creditable eighth placed finish in the league phase[/caption]
James Tavernier of Rangers applauds the fans[/caption]
Those two sides came through their play-off second leg ties last night against Anderlecht and FC Twente respectively.
Both opponents would have brought something to the party – with the star power of Mourinho and stars like Edin Dzeko and Dusan Tadic with the Istanbul giants or a Bodo/Glimt side which did a number on Celtic not to long ago.
But in today’s draw in Nyon it has been revealed that the Gers WILL face Mourinho’s Fenerbahce.
The Ibrox men will fancy themselves against any opponents after an impressive eighth place finish in the initial league phase – despite an arduous schedule which included big hitters like Man Utd, Tottenham, Lyon and Olympiakos.
But Fenerbahce – and their much vaunted manager – will add a huge splash of glamour.
Mourinho needs little introduction, having memorably won the forerunner of his competition against none other than Celtic with Porto in Seville back in 2003.
Since then, he’s won the Champions League TWICE – with two different teams – as well as countless other honours.
Mourinho’s men, however, have suspensions hanging over former Man Utd midfielder Fred and Nigerian winger Bright Osayi-Samuel.
We already know that Rangers – as the seeded team – will play the second match at home.
And should they make it past that game, we now know they will face a daunting task against either Roma or Athletic Bilbao, the Spanish otufit whose home ground is playing host to the final.
The semi-final is also daunting with the possibility of a re-match with either Man Utd, Lyon, Steaua Bucharest or Real Sociedad.
Rangers’ potential path to the final
Last 16: Fenerbahce
Quarter finals: Roma or Athletic Club
Semi-final: Man Utd or Real Sociedad or Lyon or FCSB
Final: TBC (Bilbao)
What are the dates for the Europa League round of 16, quarter-finals and semi-finals?
Last 16: 6 & 13 March 2025
Quarter-finals: 10 & 17 April 2025
Semi-finals: 1 & 8 May 2025
Final: 21 May 2025 (Bilbao)
Fenerbahce coach Jose Mourinho reacts[/caption]
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