Rangers could receive ‘game-changing’ Europa League advantage amid UEFA change
Rangers could be set to benefit from a new UEFA rule if they qualify for the quarter-finals of the Europa League.
The Gers are in pole position to progress to the next round after a 3-1 victory over Fenerbahce on Thursday (6 March).
If they do seal a place in the final eight then they will face Roma or Athletic Bilbao and if it is the former then the Light Blues could have a major advantage before a ball is kicked.
Rangers to be handed UEFA advantage
The Italians lead the Spanish side 2-1 after the first leg and if they secure progression alongside city rivals Lazio, the Gers will reap the benefits.
According to the Scottish Sun (7 March), new UEFA regulations will force the club that finished lower in the league-phase standings to have their fixture rescheduled so that two teams are not playing in the same city on the same night.
That means that the all-important second leg would be played at Ibrox in a potentially game-changing move for the Bears.
Europa League should be the priority for Rangers
There is still a lot of things that need to happen in order for the Gers to have the second leg of the quarter-final on home turf.
Firstly, the Govan outfit needs to ensure that Jose Mourinho‘s side does not mount a stunning comeback in the reverse fixture.
| Stats | Fenerbahce | Rangers |
| Possession | 64% | 36% |
| Shots | 23 | 8 |
| Shots on target | 7 | 6 |
Secondly, both Roma and Lazio need to progress from their round of 16 matches which is by no means guaranteed with both sides carrying narrow 2-1 leads into next week.
Europe represents the Light Blues only chance of success this season with Barry Ferguson inheriting a side that has been eliminated from both domestic cup competitions and is miles behind Celtic in the Scottish Premiership.
If they can mount a run to the final and win the tournament, it would increase the Gers legend’s chances of securing the job on a permanent basis over the likes of Steven Gerrard and Derek McInnes.
Given the chaos at Auchenhowie this season under the dismal reign of Philippe Clement, it would be a fantastic achievement if they could cause a shock and they will take any advantage that they can get.