Rangers have been handed one of the most difficult possible routes to the Europa League final in Bilbao, but under Philippe Clement, they have shown a resilience that should not be underestimated. Their Round of 16 clash against Fenerbahce will be a massive test, as they go up against a side managed by the legendary Jose Mourinho, a man who has won the Europa League and Champions League multiple times. His ability to get results in European knockout ties is well-documented, and he will have his Fenerbahce team well-prepared for this battle.
Fenerbahce Challenge
The first leg in Turkey on March 6 will be a daunting task for Rangers. Fenerbahce’s home stadium, Şükrü Saracoğlu, is notorious for its intense atmosphere, and their passionate fanbase will make life difficult for the visitors. The Istanbul giants have a strong squad featuring talented attackers like Edin Džeko, Dusan Tadić, and Sebastian Szymański, all of whom can cause major problems. Given Mourinho’s tactical discipline and experience in knockout ties, Rangers will need to be defensively solid and take their chances when they come.
However, Rangers can take confidence from their performances in the group stage, where they proved they can go toe-to-toe with quality sides. They have already shown they can rise to the occasion, and if they can leave Istanbul with a positive result, they will back themselves to get the job done at Ibrox in the second leg on March 13.
Potential Quarter-Final Opponent: AS Roma or Athletic Bilbao
If Rangers manage to get past Fenerbahce, things don’t get any easier. In the quarter-finals, they would face the winner of AS Roma vs Athletic Bilbao. Roma are another side with European pedigree, having won the Europa Conference League under Mourinho two years ago and reaching last season’s Europa League final under his leadership. They remain a formidable team, even in his absence, with quality players like Paulo Dybala and Romelu Lukaku capable of making a difference.
On the other hand, Athletic Bilbao are a dangerous opponent as well. The Spanish side, currently sitting fourth in La Liga, are known for their high-intensity pressing and ability to upset big teams. They also have the added motivation of potentially playing in a final in their own stadium, the San Mamés, which hosts the 2025 Europa League final. If Rangers end up facing them, it would be a huge challenge.
Semi-Final Possibilities
If Rangers somehow navigate their way past Fenerbahce and then either Roma or Athletic Bilbao, they would be in the semi-finals, where another massive test awaits. On their side of the draw, the other quarter-final features FCSB vs Lyon and Real Sociedad vs Manchester United. If they get this far, they could very well face a Premier League giant in the form of Manchester United.
United have had an inconsistent domestic season, but they remain one of the strongest sides in the competition, with stars like Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, and Casemiro capable of deciding games. If they are still in the competition by the time the semi-finals arrive, they will likely be the favourites to progress to the final.
The Path to Bilbao
One major disadvantage for Rangers is the fact that they would have to play the first leg at home in both the quarter-final and semi-final if they get that far. This means that in every knockout round from the quarter-finals onward, they would have to finish the tie away from home, which is never ideal. Winning away from home in European competition is always difficult, and Rangers will need to produce huge performances to progress.
However, Rangers have shown in previous European campaigns that they can rise to the occasion. Their run to the Europa League final in 2022 proved that they have the ability to go deep in the competition, and while this year’s draw is incredibly tough, it’s not impossible.
Final Thoughts
This will be a massive test of Rangers’ credentials. Fenerbahce will be a huge challenge, and even if they get through that, the road ahead does not get any easier. However, if they can find their best form and take their chances, they have a fighting chance.
Philippe Clement has already shown he can get the best out of this squad, and with the right tactical approach, Rangers could pull off some surprises. If they manage to reach the final in Bilbao, it would be one of the greatest achievements in their modern history.
The odds may be stacked against them, but as Rangers have shown before, they thrive when they are underestimated. European football is unpredictable, and if Rangers can find their best form at the right time, they might just have a shot at something special.