Rangers could face Bodo/Glimt in the last 16 of the Europa League, as their first potential opponent was confirmed
Philippe Clement’s men secured their place in the last 16 after a nerve-shredding home win against USG on the final matchday of the group stages, with goals from Nico Raskin and Vaclav Cerny getting the job done. And another massive Thursday night under the lights at Ibrox is now in store with the Norwegian championsone of two sides who could be coming Glasgow.
Despite having trailed a Twente side featuring former Gers flop Sam Lammers after the first leg, the Norwegians eventually proved too strong for the Dutch side on their own plastic pitch. And having stunned Celtic 5-1 on aggregate in the Europa Conference League back in 2022, Rangers will know all about the threat that they could face – as well as having a freezing cold away trip to northern Norway to face.
After being second best for much of the opening exchanges a Fredril Sjovold own goal gave the Eredivisie side a 26th minute lead, but that was cancelled out when Celtic loanee Gustaf Lagerbielke conceded a penalty early in the second-half that Kasper Hogh dispatched. Just as it looked like Norwegians would be heading out they netted twice in stoppage time to turn the game on its head.
Incredibly however the drama still wasn’t over, as Twente scrambled in a leveller with the final kick of the game, which was only given after a length VAR check – sending the game into extra time. But Bodo/Glmit weren’t to be denied, and Sondre Fet’s 111th minute strike – which crossed the line by a matter of inches – restored their lead. Before a third own goal of the night, this time from Arno Verchueren made sure of the victory.
However Gers fans will have to wait until the draw on February 21 to know for sure who they will face, with their second potential opponents set to be the winners of the tie between Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce and Belgian giants Anderlecht. The Belgians have a mountain to climb after losing 3-0 in Istanbul, with the second leg kicking off at 8pm but suspended due to trouble in the stands.
Games will be played over two legs with the first set of games scheduled for Thursday March 6 and the second on Thursday March 13 a week later. And being a seeded side, Rangers will have home advantage in the second leg – as under pressure boss Clement looks to salvage a nightmare of a season with a run in Europe.