Rangers face a challenging journey if they are to make a bold run to the Europa League final. The Old Firm club learned their fate in Friday's draw in Nyon, Switzerland.
Philippe Clement's squad were joined by some big European names such as Manchester United, Tottenham, Roma, Lazio, Athletic Bilbao and Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce in the last-16 phase draw. Jordan Henderson's Ajax also made it this far after a tough two-leg battle against Union Saint-Gilloise.
Rangers fans will recall their 2022 Europa League final run in Seville for motivation. Gio van Bronckhorst's team defeated Borussia Dortmund and RB Liepzig on their way to Seville, reports the Daily Record.
However, they were unable to secure a Bundesliga hat trick with Eintracht Frankfurt, who are also in the last-16, winning on penalties. Philippe Clement has used Europe as a means to overcome their poor domestic form.
Could another run to the final be possible? Here we look at the thrilling journey Rangers face if they are to replicate their 2022 feat. The Glasgow club have an exciting two-leg match with Jose Mourinho and Fenerbahce. The first leg will be in Istanbul, with the return leg at Ibrox.
If things go as planned, the Gers could potentially face the victor of Roma vs Athletic Bilbao in the quarter-finals. This would mean possibly knocking out Mourinho's current team to then face one of his former teams, Roma.
If Rangers make it to the semi-finals, they could be up against FCSB, Lyon, Real Sociedad or Manchester United - another of Mourinho's old clubs. On the other side of the draw, potential opponents for Rangers in the Europa League final include Tottenham Hotspur, a team previously managed by Jose Mourinho.
The last 16 ties are scheduled for March 6 and March 13, with the quarter-finals on April 10 and April 17. The semi-finals will take place on May 1 and May 8, leading up to the final at San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao, Spain on May 21.
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