Today, Rangers found out who they will be facing in the Europa League third qualifying round if they get past NK Osijek over two legs. The draw this afternoon revealed that Rangers of Osijek would be facing Maribor or Chikhura Sachkhere, which is good news for the Gers who would have been fearing the worst.
#RangersFC or Osijek will face Chikhura Sachkhere or Maribor in the @EuropaLeague third qualifying round. pic.twitter.com/hBVhL5ByBi
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) 23 July 2018
Whilst most Bluenoses will be getting excited and booking flights, a lot of the fans have remained level-headed and will only start to get excited when they’ve got past their Osijek in the second round qualifier. Steven Gerrard’s side travel to face Croatia’s third-best side this Thursday before welcoming them back to Ibrox a week later. After being in full control of the 2-0 aggregate win over FK Shkupi in the first round the fans will be confident going into the clash.
If Gerrard and co can edge past Osijek then they could be setting up a huge third round qualifier with Maribor, who they have unfinished business with after the Slovenians knocked the Gers out of the Europa League at the same stage back in 2011. When they met seven years ago, Rangers fell to a 3-2 aggregate defeat after losing 2-1 away and only being held to a draw at Ibrox. If the clubs do meet again it will be a good opportunity for the Gers to show what they’re capable of and gain revenge.
You can see what the Bluenoses on Twitter make of the draw here:
Couldnt have asked for a better draw there. Well done to the Masons at Uefa for sorting that for us
— Gary Todd (@sweeney_spb) 23 July 2018
https://twitter.com/RyanKerr_1/status/1021367497168162816
Beat Osijek and then give Maribor a good hiding!
— Flemingo (@Lee_fleck) July 23, 2018
Good draw for us. Happy days.
— DougieTheDon (@DougieDon1) 23 July 2018
https://twitter.com/garethawhite/status/1021391142804475904
https://twitter.com/theboysof609/status/1021378812343406592
Happy with that the best chance we’ve got to get to group stages! #letsgo
— Gavin (@g4v1n21) 23 July 2018
Best draw for us, worst draw for them, tin hats are out in force
— charlie (@charlieboy1981) 23 July 2018
The fans are all in good spirit ahead of Thursday’s trip to Osijek and the fans know that they’re now just four games away from the Europa League group stages.
