Three Europa League hurdles – what lies in wait for Rangers?

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Three Europa League hurdles – what lies in wait for Rangers?
 Article by: Greg, for Ibrox Noise

The draws for the first and second rounds of Europa League qualifying were made earlier and we were given a tie with Luxembourg outfit FC Progrès Niederkorn in the first round, and a trip to either Gibraltar to face St Joseph’s F.C. or Cyprus to face AEL Limassol depending on the way the first round goes.

It is very unlikely that anyone will have head of Progrès Niederkorn, and their record in European competition sums up their anonymity. From twelve games, they have drawn two, losing the other ten whilst only scoring one goal in the same period. Finishing 3rd in the SPFL Premiership was hardly something to be proud of last season, but it is a barnstorming success compared to our opponents’ eventual 6th place finish in the Luxembourg National Division.

It goes without saying that this is a game we simply must win, as failing to do so would not only be a major embarrassment, but it would be costly off the park too. It should be a comfortable win, and I am expecting some of our new signings to shine in this tie. If Morelos can hit the ground running and bag a few goals which send us into the second round it would be an ideal start to his career in the famous light blue jersey.

St Joseph’s or AEL Limassol will then await in the second round, the latter of which would provide a far sterner test than the side former. St Joseph’s finished 3rd in the Gibraltar Premier Division and have no European history of note, whilst Limassol play in a far more competitive league and frequently reach the latter round of both Europa and Champions League qualifying (12/12 champions league playoff round; 14/15, champions league 3rd round qualifying, lost to Spurs on Europa league playoff round), as well as reaching the Europa League group stages in 2012.

This isn’t to say that Limassol are European giants, but given our 5-year absence from European competition coupled with the fact we are undergoing a second squad rebuild in as many years, it may be best not to get too complacent ahead of the potential tie with the Cypriot outfit.

I think we should have more than enough to overcome them, however, meaning that we would only be 4 ties away from the group stages – a fantastic achievement given what we have been through in the last 5 years.

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4 COMMENTS

  1. anyone update on dorrans & walker,while not complaing im concerned we are shelling out for the overseas players while haggling for 2 bears who seem despeate to join their boyhood club?

  2. How the hell did Luxembourg get 6 euro places?!?!?!?? We should realistically put 8 past them over the two games, Can't see the Cypriots being a huge task either. (if they qualify which is a formality as is us).

  3. Great informative article Greg.

    If we cannot beat FC Progrès Niederkorn from Luxembourg by a few goals, we will have played very badly over the 2 matches.

    I am convinced that we will be meeting AEL Limassol in the 2nd qualifying tie in Cypress. WATP.

  4. Very tricky to assess really. After watching our two closed door games (yes, I know, only bounce matches to gel the players), however, we still gave the ball away so very cheaply and made silly mistakes as we did all last season.
    Early days, I know, but the European tie is only 9 days away and albeit our opponents FC Progres may come from Luxembourg, they may provided a much more sterner test than we think. Judging our two friendlies, I don't think it will be a straight forward tie. I would give Alves the captains band, we will need a great leader in the next few seasons. Love Waldo, but feel a centre half with such a good european pedigree should take charge. I will be roaring our team to victory, I pray they will gel quickly and get us to group stages. The good thing about these ties, is we will be very much match fit for the start of the domestic season.

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