Rangers fans around the world are gearing up for the Champions League group stage draw for the first time in 12 years as they prepare to go up against Europe’s best.
The Gers have been on quite the journey in that period of time and with the club winning the Scottish Premiership, Scottish Cup and reaching the Europa League Final, qualification for the Champions League is viewed by many as the final destination on the journey back from the brink.
It’s been a monumental rise and as anticipation builds over this season’s competition – and the potential impact of qualification on the playing squad – we look at who Rangers could get in this season’s Champions League group.
When is the Champions League group stage draw?
The Champions League Group Stage is set to take place in Istanbul, Turkey and will be streamed live at 5pm BST. Read the official communication on the draw HERE.
The Final is set to take place at the Atatürk Olympic Stadium, the same ground that hosted the Miracle of Istanbul, where Liverpool game from 3-0 down to beat AC Milan on penalties in the 2005 Champions League Final.
Which pot are Rangers?
Rangers are the highest seeded team in Pot 4, meaning the beaten Europa League Finalists are likely the Pot 4 side everyone spread out across the rest of the competition is hoping to avoid.
The Gers have shown themselves to be shrewd European operators both at home and abroad and there will be few teams who fancy coming to Ibrox on a Champions League night.
Joining Rangers in Pot Four are Dinamo Zagreb, Marseille, Copenhagen, Club Brugge, Viktoria Plzen, Maccabi Haifi and Old Firm rivals Celtic, who are perhaps a lot of club’s preferred option due to their woeful recent record in Europe.
What is the worst-case scenario Champions League group stage draw?
Having qualified for the Champions League, there is no real “nightmare” draw as the bigger the teams the more glamorous the tie and the bigger the names who will be visiting Ibrox.
But if we’re talking about the teams to avoid from each Pot, in Pot 1 the likes of Real Madrid, Man City, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint Germain represent formidable opponents.
In Pot 2, almost every team is of a seriously high standard with names like Liverpool, Chelsea and Atletico probably the best of a competitive bunch.
In Pot 3, avoiding Napoli, Inter and Benfica would give Rangers the best chance of progression.
Hardest potential group: Real Madrid, Liverpool, Inter Milan, Rangers.
What is the best-case scenario Champions League draw?
For Rangers fans hoping for progression in the competition, they will have their eyes on the easiest possible route to the Champions League Last 16.
There are of course no easy games at this level but there are more advantageous options in each pot.
In Pot 1, earning the chance for Europa League redemption v Eintracht Frankfurt would be something of a dream draw, with FC Porto and Ajax representing winnable ties.
In Pot 2, as previously explained this is a hugely competitive bunch of teams but having beat RB Leipzig before they may be viewed as the best possible option whilst La Liga sides Sevilla and potentially Barcelona the other two best options.
From Pot 3, Rangers have already bested Borussia Dortmund, whilst the opportunity to play Sporting Lisbon or Shakhtar Donestk may represent the best chance of progession.
Weakest potential group: Frankfurt, Sevilla, Sporting Lisbon, Rangers.
Speaking of the Champions League, one ousted Rangers star has been currying favour with his teammates amid links to a potential group stage rival.
