logo
Rangers learn next potential opponents in Europe - tell us your views

Rangers learn next potential opponents in Europe - tell us your views

BBC News6 days ago
Rangers will face Viktoria Plzen of the Czech Republic or Servette of Switzerland in the Champions League third qualifying round should they defeat Panathinaikos.The third round fixtures take place on 5/6 August and 12 August, and Rangers would be at home first.Like Rangers, both Viktoria Plzen and Servette finished distant runners-up in their domestic leagues last season - Plzen to Slavia Prague and Servette to Basel.Plzen finished 16th in the Europa League last season - eight places behind Rangers - before losing to Lazio in the last 16.However, they defeated Hearts to reach the new league stage, winning both legs of their play-off round tie 1-0.The previous season, Viktoria reached the Conference League quarter finals, losing to Fiorentina.They last reached the Champions League three seasons ago, losing all their games in a group containing, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan.Rangers defeated Servette at the same third qualifying round stage of the Europa League in 2023, 3-2 on aggregate.They were beaten by Braga in Europa League qualifying last season before losing narrowly to eventual winners Chelsea in the Conference League play-off round.If Russell Martin's side lose to the Greeks, they face an equally difficult tie in the Europa League third qualifying round after they were drawn against either Beskitas of Turkey or Shakhtar Donetsk of Ukraine.The Europa League third qualifying round games take place on August 7 and August 14.Rangers fans, how do you feel about the draw? Tell us your thoughts here.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Lionesses lift Euro 2025 trophy as England retain title in thrilling penalty shootout
Lionesses lift Euro 2025 trophy as England retain title in thrilling penalty shootout

The Independent

time12 minutes ago

  • The Independent

Lionesses lift Euro 2025 trophy as England retain title in thrilling penalty shootout

England successfully defended their title, beating world champions Spain 3-1 on penalties in the Euro 2025 final. Chloe Kelly scored the decisive winning penalty for England. The Lionesses came from behind, with Alessia Russo equalising Mariona Caldentey's opening goal. Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton made several crucial saves during the penalty shootout. This victory served as revenge for England, following their defeat to Spain in the 2023 World Cup.

England player ratings v Spain: Hannah Hampton stars as Lionesses win women's Euro 2025 final
England player ratings v Spain: Hannah Hampton stars as Lionesses win women's Euro 2025 final

The Independent

time12 minutes ago

  • The Independent

England player ratings v Spain: Hannah Hampton stars as Lionesses win women's Euro 2025 final

England are European champions again after triumphing in a dramatic Women's Euro 2025 final in Basel. Substitute Chloe Kelly fired in the winning penalty as England completed another spectacular shootout comeback to defend their title and beat world champions Spain 3-1 on penalties. The Lionesses came back twice to reach the decider and book this revenge mission against the same side who beat them at the 2023 World Cup in Sydney. And Mariona Caldentey ensured England would need another when she nodded in a 25th-minute opener, cancelled out by her Arsenal team-mate Alessia Russo with a header of her own from Kelly's cross after the break. Hannah Hampton made several spectacular saves in the shootout before Kelly netted the dramatic winner after Sama Paralluelo's miss. Here is how England's players rated. Hannah Hampton, 8: Sent off balance and rooted to the spot as she watched Caldentey's header float into the corner, but redeemed herself with a heroic display in the shootout. An England legend. Lucy Bronze, 6: Bronze never clocked Caldentey sneaking up on her blindside, and watched with her head in her hands as England fell behind. A costly moment in such a huge match to lose concentration, but a much better second half. Leah Williamson, 8: Quietly excellent, dealing with a series of Spanish crosses and throughballs in typically understated fashion. Almost made a goal, too, with a brilliant surge late in the second half. Jess Carter, 7: Strong defensive performance, even if she found herself dragged out of position at times in the first half as Spain took charge. Alex Greenwood, 6: Turned inside out on a couple of occasions by Spain's passing, especially when Aitana Bonmati appeared to target the space in behind England's left-back. But made a good late intervention in the second half to prevent a Spanish winner. Ella Toone, 6: Worked hard off the ball without having much of an impact on it. Helped England keep the ball in periods where they needed some calm influence. Came off with five minutes of the second half remaining. Keira Walsh, 6: England's closest thing to a Spanish midfielder, typically tidy but Walsh was often overrun in central midfield by her supreme opponents. Georgia Stanway, 6: A bit weak in her challenge on Bonmati which led to the Spanish goal, but fought doggedly for her team in several key defensive moments. Lauren Hemp, 5: Missed a big chance in the first half when squaring the ball to Lauren James was perhaps a better option than choosing to shoot herself. Offered a useful outlet with her speed down the right side. Alessia Russo, 8: A quiet first half, but delivered England's big moment with a perfectly placed header into the far corner. Linked play well and worked hard to put pressure on the ball. Lauren James, 5: One telling moment, pressing high up the pitch, forced a turnover and led to Hemp's big first-half chance. But James didn't look fully fit and hobbled off before half-time with what looked like a recurrence of the ankle injury that also ended her semi-final early.

England retain European crown with penalty shootout victory over Spain
England retain European crown with penalty shootout victory over Spain

The Independent

time12 minutes ago

  • The Independent

England retain European crown with penalty shootout victory over Spain

Substitute Chloe Kelly fired in the winning penalty as England completed another spectacular shootout comeback to defend their title and beat world champions Spain 3-1 on penalties in the Euro 2025 final. The Lionesses came back twice to reach the decider in Basel and book this revenge mission against the same side who beat them at the 2023 World Cup in Sydney. And Mariona Caldentey ensured England would need another when she nodded in a 25th-minute opener, cancelled out by her Arsenal team-mate Alessia Russo with a header of her own from Kelly's cross after the break. Hannah Hampton made several spectacular saves in the shootout before Kelly netted the dramatic winner after Sama Paralluelo's miss.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store