Rangers have prospered in the Europa League this season, despite their domestic troubles, which has astonished everyone at Ibrox.
The Light Blues’ excellent European run appears likely to continue after defeating Fenerbahce 3-1 in Istanbul last week.
Rangers have prospered in the Europa League this season, despite their domestic troubles, which has astonished everyone at Ibrox.
The Light Blues’ excellent European run appears likely to continue after defeating Fenerbahce 3-1 in Istanbul last week.
A draw, or even a one-goal defeat, would suffice for Barry Ferguson’s team in the second leg of the round of 16, as they aim to advance to the quarter-finals of the European competition.
However, in the Scottish Premiership, the Gers have struggled this season and are 16 points behind bitter rivals Celtic in the race for the title.
A draw, or even a one-goal defeat, would suffice for Barry Ferguson’s team in the second leg of the round of 16, as they aim to advance to the quarter-finals of the European competition.
However, in the Scottish Premiership, the Gers have struggled this season and are 16 points behind bitter rivals Celtic in the race for the title.
Celtic fan left red-faced over Rangers radio claim
On Monday, a Celtic fan named Stephen called the Clyde 1 Superscoreboard radio show and argued that Rangers are good in Europe but awful at home because they are “rotten”.
Host of the show, Gordon Duncan challenged that theory: “That wouldn’t explain why they’re good in Europe though, would it?
“You can’t say Rangers are good in Europe but bad domestically because they’re rotten.
“To finish top eight in the Europa League, that’s a decent achievement, is it not? If we’re being honest.”
Stephen, a Celtic fan, later remarked that the Gers were punching above their weight.
This perplexed Duncan, who responded: “But I thought they were rotten, or are they punching above their weight?”
“Which is it? I don’t get it.”
Rangers’ inconsistent domestic and Europa League performance is clearly a phenomena, with recent reports claiming that they should consult a psychologist to figure it out.
The Light Blues have had some incredible highs in Europe this season, including a 4-1 victory against French club Nice in November.
However, back in Scotland, they have faced some equally amazing lows, such as last month’s Scottish Cup loss to Championship club Queen’s Park.
Rangers should progress to the Europa League quarter-final stages
The Gers had lately endured three consecutive home defeats, including the aforementioned cup loss to Queen’s Park and a 2-0 defeat to St Mirren, which cost former manager Philippe Clement his job.
But in the Europa League, Ibrox has been a real stronghold for the Light Blues, who have not lost at home in Europe since a 4-1 defeat to Lyon on October 3.
Rangers should have enough to beat Fenerbahce and advance to the quarterfinals, where they will face either Italian giants Roma or La Liga team Bilbao.
Ferguson and co’s 3-1 victory in Istanbul last week is a strong indication that they have what it takes to upset Jose Mourinho’s team, and they will have home advantage on Thursday.
Despite their domestic troubles, Ibrox fans may be dreaming of going one step farther than they did in 2022, when they reached the Europa League final.
Ferguson and co’s 3-1 victory in Istanbul last week is a strong indication that they have what it takes to upset Jose Mourinho’s team, and they will have home advantage on Thursday.
Despite their domestic troubles, Ibrox fans may be dreaming of going one step farther than they did in 2022, when they reached the Europa League final.
