Bruno Fernandes broke Rangers’ hearts as Philippe Clement’s wounded soldiers suffered a late defeat at Old Trafford.
But the Ibrox club’s European journey is far from over this season as the Light Blues remain in pole position to at least reach the playoffs. Gers started the night in the top eight, which would’ve guaranteed them direct qualification into the last 16. But Manchester United’s stopper-time winner saw the Govan side slide down into 13th.
Still, injury-ravaged Rangers can be immensely proud of their battling display after producing yet another impressive performance away from home in Europe. And fans can start planning for knockout stage Europa League action once again, with a top 24 finish all but wrapped up. One matchday still remains in the hotly contested competition, meaning plenty could – and will – still change, but we already know some of the sides Rangers could face – and who they definitely won’t be meeting.
After making the final in the old format of the tournament three years ago, Rangers fans know what is possible – and will have their sights firmly set on making amends for that penalty shootout heartbreak against Eintracht Frankfurt. Here’s what could still happen this year.
Who can Rangers play in the Europa League knockouts?
If Rangers can secure a top-eight finish, then they will advance straight into the round of 16, where they will play the winners of the playoffs. Currently, the Light Blues sit 13th which would give them a playoff tie against either old foes FC Midtjylland or Elfsborg. But plenty could still change on the final matchday – based on the current standings, however these are Rangers’ potential play off round opponents if they remain seeded:
- PAOK
- Real Sociedad
- FC Midtjylland
- Elfsborg
- Roma
- Ferencvaros
- Fenerbahce
- Besiktas
Who will they definitely not play?
Whilst who Rangers could face will remain very much up in the air until the final whistle on matchday eight, we do already know some of the teams they can’t face – either because they have already qualified for the last 16 or because their European adventure is already over. Already assured of a last 16 place without the need for a playoff are:
- Lazio
And already out of contention before the final round of fixtures are:
- RFS
- Slavia Prague
- Malmo
- Ludogorets Razgrad
- Qarabag FK
- Nice
- Dynamo Kyiv
When is the Europa League playoff draw?
The draw for the playoff stages of the Europa League takes place on Friday January 31 at UEFA’s Nyom HQ in Swizterland from 12pm UK time. We’ll have full coverage of it right here on dailyrecord.co.uk with a live blog and all the best stories.
When are the Europa League playoffs?
The first legs of the playoffs take place on Thursday February 13, 2025. The second legs are a week later, on Thursday February 20. The seeded team will be at home in the second leg.
When does the last 16 of the Europa League start?
The last 16 kicks off on Thursday March 6 with the second legs a week later on Thursday March 13.