Rangers in the Europa League: A New Era Begins

As the UEFA Europa League embarks on a new chapter, the anticipation surrounding Rangers Football Club is palpable. Under the guidance of manager Philippe Clement, the team is set to navigate a fresh format that promises excitement and challenges. This season marks the first of eight matches for Clement and his squad, as they aim to make their mark in a competition that has undergone significant changes.

A New Format for the Europa League

The most notable alteration to the UEFA Europa League this year is the replacement of the traditional group stages with a league phase. This revamped structure mirrors the format of the Champions League, introducing a 36-team league phase where each team competes in eight matches against eight different opponents—four at home and four away. This change not only enhances the competitive nature of the tournament but also provides fans with a broader array of matchups to look forward to.

For Rangers, this means a total of eight fixtures, with four games hosted at their iconic Ibrox Stadium and four on the road. The new format aims to increase the stakes and excitement, as teams vie for a top-eight finish to secure a direct spot in the knockout rounds.

Rangers’ Europa League Fixtures

Rangers’ journey in the 2024/25 UEFA Europa League kicks off with an away match against Malmo on September 26, 2024. Here’s a complete rundown of their fixtures, including dates, kick-off times, and stadium details:

Match Schedule

1. Malmo v Rangers

   • Date: Thursday, September 26, 2024
   • Kick-off time: 5:45 PM
   • Stadium: Eleda Stadium

2. Rangers v Lyon

   • Date: Thursday, October 3, 2024
   • Kick-off time: 8:00 PM
   • Stadium: Ibrox

3. Rangers v FCSB (formerly Steaua București)

   • Date: Thursday, October 24, 2024
   • Kick-off time: 8:00 PM
   • Stadium: Ibrox

4. Olympiacos v Rangers

   • Date: Thursday, November 7, 2024
   • Kick-off time: 5:45 PM
   • Stadium: Karaiskakis Stadium

5. Nice v Rangers

   • Date: Thursday, November 28, 2024
   • Kick-off time: 8:00 PM
   • Stadium: Allianz Riviera

6. Rangers v Tottenham Hotspur

   • Date: Thursday, December 12, 2024
   • Kick-off time: 8:00 PM
   • Stadium: Ibrox

7. Manchester United v Rangers

   • Date: Thursday, January 23, 2025
   • Kick-off time: 8:00 PM
   • Stadium: Old Trafford
8. Rangers v Union Saint-Gilloise
   • Date: Thursday, January 30, 2025
   • Kick-off time: 8:00 PM
   • Stadium: Ibrox

This schedule promises thrilling encounters, particularly the home games against Lyon and Tottenham Hotspur, which are sure to draw significant attention from fans and pundits alike.

Understanding the Standings

As the tournament progresses, the standings will be updated after each round of matches. The top eight teams after the league phase will automatically qualify for the round of 16, while those finishing between 9th and 24th will enter a two-legged knockout playoff to secure their place in the tournament’s knockout rounds. Teams finishing 25th or lower will be eliminated, marking a departure from previous seasons where lower-ranked teams could still qualify for the UEFA Europa Conference League.

Rangers’ Squad for the Europa League

In preparation for the tournament, Philippe Clement has assembled a robust 25-man squad. Here’s a breakdown of the players representing Rangers in this year’s Europa League:

Goalkeepers

• Jack Butland
• Liam Kelly
• Lewis Budinauckas

Defenders

• James Tavernier
• Rıdvan Yılmaz
• Robin Pröpper
• John Souttar
• Dujon Sterling
• Jefté
• Neraysho Kasanwirjo
• Leon Balogun

Midfielders

• Óscar Cortés
• Connor Barron
• Mohamed Diomande
• Nedim Bajrami
• Kieran Dowell
• Nicolas Raskin

Forwards

• Cyriel Dessers
• Tom Lawrence
• Vaclav Cerny
• Hamza Igamane

This diverse squad combines experience and youthful energy, positioning Rangers as a formidable contender in the tournament.

Ticket Information

For fans eager to witness the action live, ticket information for Rangers’ Europa League matches is available on the official Rangers website. With a mix of home and away fixtures, supporters have ample opportunities to cheer on their team.

Conclusion

As Rangers embark on this new journey in the UEFA Europa League, the excitement is palpable. With a fresh format, a challenging group of opponents, and a talented squad, the stage is set for a thrilling season. Fans can look forward to a series of captivating matches as the team strives for success on the European stage. The road ahead is filled with promise, and the Rangers faithful will undoubtedly be there to support their team every step of the way.