How the Europa League and Rangers appear to be a match made in heaven

How the Europa League

According to former Rangers midfielder Scott Arfield, the Europa League and the Ibrox club are a match made in heaven.

The second-tier league in European football has been. Rangers’ savior in turbulent domestic waters this season, as it has been for many others.

Rangers advanced to the. Europa League knockout stages for the sixth time in a row with a victory over Union Saint-Gilloise.

Which guaranteed them a spot in the last 16 and an unexpected top-eight finish.

Despite a very challenging schedule and numerous injuries. Epecially in defense, they have done it again, as manager Philippe Clement was eager to emphasize after the game.

The Rangers manager can now look back on. A very noteworthy accomplishment this season after being under fire for league performances, particularly away from home.

Clement stated, “It is excellent that people are beginning to see more and more. Things a few months ago people maybe did not believe.”

“One of these things is qualifying for this Europa League. The club is headed in the right direction. Can you win everything with it? That is our goal.

“I see this culture needing to be created more and more. They understand what it means to be a member of this team.

Rangers choose the difficult route.

Rangers began the final matchday in 13th place in the standings. Therefore it is important to highlight how difficult it was for them to finish in the top eight.

They ultimately faced Manchester United. Tottenham, Lyon, and Olympiakos. Four of the other seven teams. That advanced directly to the round of 16.

Due to a number of injuries. They had to play seven different back-four combinations over. The course of the eight games.

Right-back Neraysho Kasanwirjo played left-back against Malmo before to sustaining an injury that ended his season.

Left-back James Tavernier ended up playing center-back against Manchester United and Union. While Ridvan Yilmaz had to play right-back against two Premier League teams.

Ross McCausland, a small right winger, filled in on the right of defense against the Belgians at Ibrox after Leon King was sent off with a head knock inside the first quarter.

Rangers ended up using a number of teenagers on the field in their last two games.

When all was said and done, their tenacity was truly remarkable, as they only lost by three points to finish in eighth place.

“It is about mentality,” Clement remarked, “even though we might not have the talent of other teams.” “The belief was present from the beginning, but we need to put forth our best effort and dig deep.

“Over the past few months, we have had to be quite inventive, but we have done it well.

“Big clubs with enormous funds have finished behind us, and beating four of the top seven teams surrounding us makes the accomplishment even greater.”

Is it possible to go back to 2022?

With the knowledge that they will face either Bodo/Glimt, Anderlecht, Twente, or Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce, Rangers can now wait and watch the knockout round play-offs next month.

None will instill dread in Rangers’ hearts, but all will be a challenge.

Only Tavernier and Leon Balogun contributed significantly to the present team’s 2022 run to the final, where they were heartbroken by Eintracht Frankfurt on penalties.

That illustrates how much has changed at Ibrox in a short period of time. But when it comes to the Europa League, the team appears to have muscle memory.

With no teams dropping out of the Champions League this year, they will be hoping for another deep run after having already played four of the top seven and only losing to Lyon thus far.

Additionally, they can now wait for some of their injured players to recover and add players like Ianis Hagi and Danilo to their team that they did not initially register.

After the game, McCausland was asked if he believed they could win.

It was “Definitely, 100%,” he responded.

Rangers supporters can prepare for another Europa League trip in the spring, whether they participate or not.

Seo Kopi Simpang