It has been a busy day for Rangers with European draws after discovering their potential Champions League playoff opponents earlier, now the Gers have learned who they could face in the Europa League playoff round.
Should Steven Gerrard’s side lose to Malmo in their Champions League third qualifying round tie, Rangers will face Kairat Almaty of Kazakhstan or Aremnian side Alashkert for a spot in the group stages of the Europa League.
While Rangers will want to avoid dropping into the Europa League, the Gers have a fantastic record in the competition in recent years, reaching the last 16 in successive seasons.
The Ibrox side face Malmo tomorrow in the first leg of their Champions League tie with the loser taking their place in the Europa League and the winner moving on to face Olympiacos or Ludogorets for a place in the group stage.
The first leg of the Europa League playoff will take place on August 19 with the return seven days later on August 26 – with the loser of Rangers v Malmo drawn to be at home first.
With a third European competition starting this season, Rangers will be guaranteed some form of group stage football no matter what happens.
Defeat to Malmo and then a defeat in the Europa League playoff would see the Gers drop into the Europa Conference League group stage – although that will be the last thing Rangers want.
Last season, Rangers lost to Slavia Prague in the last 16 of the Europa League.
SPFL rivals St. Johnstone could face Danish side Randers FC, if the Saints can beat Galatasaray while Celtic’s reward for beating Jablonec would be a tie with AZ Alkmaar.
No away fans will be permitted to attend the Europa League playoff fixtures, however, Rangers could still end up with a full house at Ibrox if restrictions in Scotland continue to be reduced.
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