Europa League Archives

Everything Rangers supporters need to know about Europa League opponents Jagiellonia Białystok

Rangers face Jagiellonia Białystok in the Europa League third qualifying phase. Here is everything you need to know about the Polish side. Jagiellonia Białystok, who play in the Ekstraklasa league in Poland, finished third out of 16 teams last season, granting them a place in the third qualifying stage of the Europa League. Jagiellonia are ranked 86th in the UEFA club coefficient rankings. Their top scorer last season Afimico Pululu left the club earlier in the summer following the expiration of his contract. But Spanish veteran, Jesus Imaz scored 18 times last campaign. They get back to league action on Saturday, giving them two competitive matches before they host Rangers at the Chorten Arena on the 6th of August. The Chorten Arena hosts just over 22,000 people. However, it is well-known for its hostile atmosphere. Jagiellonia have only lost twice at home in Europe over the past two seasons. The club’s most successful season came in the 2023/24 campaign, when they won the Ekstraklasa for the first time. The Polish side have advanced to the later stages in the Europa Conference League in the last two seasons. In 2025 they progressed all the way to the Quarter-Finals, where they were knocked out by Spanish side Real Betis. Last year however, they were dispatched by Fiorentina in the knock-out play off stages. It’s a fair journey for Derek McIness’ men, with Białystok being approximately 1500 miles from Glasgow. It’s also around a two-hour coach trip from the capital city Warsaw, where most supporters and the team will likely travel too. The match is over two-legs, with the second-leg being played at Ibrox the following Thursday.

July 20, 2026

Who will your Scottish team face next in Europe?

Rangers, Hearts, Hibernian, and Motherwell will discover their next European opponents this Monday, as the draw takes place for the third qualifying rounds of the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League. Hearts face Sturm Graz in the 2nd Round of Champions League Qualifying. Victory over the Austrians could leave matchups against Olympiacos (GRE), Lyon (FRA), Bodo/Glimt (NOR) or Fenerbahce (TUR)/Gornik Zabrze (POL). A defeat will see them drop into the Europa League bracket, to face either St Gallen (SWI)/Benfica (POR), Twente (NED)/Ferencvaros (HUN) or Qarabag (AZE)/CSKA Sofia (BUL). Derek McInnes will lead his Rangers side into the 3rd Round of Europa League Qualification as a seeded team. They will meet either Hammarby (SWE)/Anderlecht (BEL), Hajduk Split (CRO)/Pafos (CYP), Tromso (NOR)/Hradec Kralove (CZE) or Jagellonia Bialystok (POL). Motherwell and Hibs begin Conference League qualifying this Thursday. Motherwell face Havnar Boltfelag of the Faroe Islands; victory will see them progress to face LNZ Cherkasy (UKR)/Gent (BEL), Besiktas (TUR)/FC Midtjylland (DEN), HJK Helsinki (FIN)/Coleraine (NIR), Twente (NED)/Ferencvaros (HUN) or RFS (Lat)/Vestri (ISL). David Gray’s team are back in Europe again, backing up their 3rd place finish with 4th place last season. FK Malisheva await in the 2nd Round; a victory over the Kosovo side could see matchups with NK Bravo (SVN)/KF Shkendija (MKD), FC Santa Coloma (AND)/SK Rapid (AUT), Rakow (POL)/Valetta (MLT), NK Rijeka (CRO)/Derry City (IRL) or FC Polissya (UKR)/FC Copenhagen (DEN). The draw commences on Monday 20th July.

July 20, 2026

Porto 3-1 Rangers: First Half Flurry Powers Portuguese Giants Past Gers

Porto 3-1 Rangers Mora (27′) Moura (36′) Fernandez (41′ og) Gassama (6′) Porto consigned Rangers to their sixth Europa League defeat of the season at the Estádio do Dragão, as Danny Rohl’s side pivots toward a looming three-horse title race. Djeidi Gassama gave the visitors an early lead courtesy of a slick team move. James Tavernier slid the ball to Findlay Curtis on the right after nipping in front of a Porto body. Gassama headed the winger’s backpost cross into the ground, and across Diogo Costa, giving Rohl’s side the advantage. After stretching their winning run to eight games on Sunday, the Gers looked full of confidence, but the hosts seized control, delivering a devastating 14-minute spell. A deserved equaliser arrived in the 27th minute, after teenage sensation Rodrigo Mora slid past Jack Butland. The Rangers goalkeeper then collided with James Tavernier in the box nine minutes later, allowing Francisco Moura to roll home. The third blow was administered on the stroke of halftime, after Emmanuel Fernandez headed into his own net from a Porto corner. Rangers’ run of five consecutive clean sheets had come to a grinding halt. Victory pushed the Portuguese side into the Europa League top eight, progressing automatically to the last 16. Rangers’ elimination was previously confirmed; Easter Road awaits the Glasgow giants on Sunday afternoon. Porto: D Costa, A Costa (Fernandez 61′) Bednarek, Kiwior, Moura, Froholdt (Rosario 68′) Varela, Mora (Veiga 81′) Gomes, Samu (Gul 68′) Pepe (Sainz 61′) Rangers: Butland, Aarons, Tavernier, Fernandez (Antman 58′) Djiga, Meghoma (Souttar 46′) Raskin, Diomande, Curtis (Moore 70′) Gassama (Miovski 58′), Chermiti (Aasgaard 70′)

January 29, 2026

“I’ll Definitely be Looking to Change That” – Ferguson Eager For First Win Over Celtic

Scotland star Lewis Ferguson is looking for his first win over Celtic as his Bologna side host the Scottish champions tomorrow night in the Europa League. The former Aberdeen man failed to get the better of the green and whites in fifteen tries when he was in the North-East, as well as one failed attempt when he was an 18-year-old at Hamilton Academical. Despite managing seven goals against Celtic, more than he has scored against any other club by a fair distance, the Bologna captain is hoping to taste victory over the Glasgow giants at long last tomorrow. He told the media: “Every time I’ve faced Celtic, they’ve been strong, they’ve been really good. “I faced them a lot of times when I was at Aberdeen when we had a good team. They were always just better than us on the day. “But I’m obviously looking to go and change that stat. Maybe it doesn’t look too good, 16 times but never won so I’ll definitely be looking to change that. “It was probably the first game I looked at when the draw came out. Obviously it’s nice to play against a Scottish team. We’re looking forward to it, we’re ready. If we want to get in the top eight then we need to win this game.” Bologna currently sit 13th in the league phase, just two points off the top eight. Despite being eleven places higher in the table, Ferguson is well aware of the threat that Celtic can carry under Martin O’Neill. “He [O’Neill] is such an experienced manager, he has been there and done it all. “He is one of Celtic’s most experienced managers and as such, he knows the club so well. Winning seven out of eight games in that [interim] period is impressive. “Martin is a safe pair of hands. He knows how to get the best out of the players, so we will be expecting a really tough game.” Ferguson, son of Rangers hero Derek and nephew to former ‘Gers captain Barry, says that his family opted against making the journey to Italy amongst the Celtic following. “Everybody’s at home. I don’t think my dad wanted to take a flight out and be surrounded by Celtic fans. My family will be at home and watching from Scotland. “I’ve not had a chance to speak to him [Barry Ferguson] recently to talk about this game, but I think I know his thoughts on it! I know who he wants to win, that’s pretty clear. “I’ve obviously spoken to my dad a lot over the last couple of weeks, just about things in general, not too much about the game. “But yeah, I could probably tell you Barry’s thoughts before he said them.” The sides face off at the earlier kickoff time of 17:45 GMT tomorrow afternoon. A win for Celtic would further boost their chances of a playoff round spot going into the final league phase match, whilst Bologna need to win if they want any chance of sneaking into the top eight places. Celtic are yet to concede since O’Neill’s return but have looked less than convincing in their last two outings against Falkirk and Auchinleck Talbot. As for the Italian hosts, they have suffered a poor run of recent form of one win in their last seven, yet have only lost to Aston Villa in European action this season on match day one.

January 21, 2026

Rangers 1-1 Braga: Martinez Goal Stops Rangers Getting First Europa League Win

A blustery night at Ibrox came to an end with both sides having to settle for a draw as Rangers and Braga played out a 1-1 draw at Ibrox. Rangers came into this one bottom of the Europa League League Phase with four losses from four, the latest being 0-2 at home against Roma. Braga were sitting 5th before kickoff with three wins and one loss in the competition, the last game being a 3-4 defeat at home to Belgian team Genk. Both teams made three changes from their last games, Max Aarons, Connor Barron and Youssef Chermiti replaced Jayden Meghoma, Thelo Aasgaard and Oliver Antman from Rangers’ win over Livingston. Lukas Hornicek, Bright Arri-Mbi and Rodrigo Zalazar were out for Alaa Bellaarouch, Victor Carvalho and Pau Victor for Braga from their last game, a 4-2 Portuguese cup win against Nacional. As the gusts of wind started to pick up around Ibrox, it was Braga who created the first real chance as Zalazar cut the ball back for Ricardo Horta who had his shot saved by Jack Butland. Horta is played through again but his touch lets him down and Butland can save Rangers again. Former Celtic player Gustaf Lagerbielke had a free header at the back post from a Horta cross but he couldn’t connect properly and it went wide. Rangers created their first real chance of the game ten minutes before half time as Mohammed Diomande did well to find space and play it to Danilo but his shot was poor and straight at the keeper Hornicek. Danny Rohl’s team started to build a bit more pressure as Barron played a long switch to Djeidi Gassama who had a shot saved and the rebound was put over the bar by James Tavernier. Rangers continued their purple patch of play as Sikou Niakate made a last ditch challenge on Gassama and even when the ball fell to Chermiti the Gers striker couldn’t quite squeeze it in. After a VAR check for a potential handball right on the stroke of half time after a Tavernier corner was met by the hand of Jean-Baptiste Gorby and a penalty was awarded to Rangers, Tavernier scored as he sent Hornicek the wrong way. As the second half started Rangers kept up their pressure from the end of the first, Diomande played the ball wide for Gassama but neither Chermiti or Danilo could score. An overhit corner was recycled by Aarons and Chermiti couldn’t hit the target from three yards out, the clearance was out to Gassama who forced a good save from Hornicek. After another VAR check Braga are reduced to 10 men as Zalazar is sent off for an off the ball headbutt on Nicolas Raskin. Braga got the equaliser just over 20 minutes from time as a hopeful cross was caught in the wind, then misjudged by Nasser Djiga and it fell to Gabri Martinez who slotted into the corner. Djiga almost made amends as he came close from only a few yards out but his header went wide after Fernandez won the ball from a deep corner. Good work continued from Rangers with Gassama crossing but Tavernier’s header was weak and easy to save. Yet another VAR check followed this time for a penalty to Braga after a potential handball against substitute Bojan Miovski but it’s not given. Rangers pushed to take the lead again with less than 10 minutes to play, good work from Miovski and Diomande but the latter’s shot was poor on the turn. Braga had a great chance to win it in added time as the wind again picked up the ball and nearly blew a corner straight in, when it came out to Gorby his shot was powerful from just inside the area but Butland punched the ball away. The teams were then levelled to 10 men each after Diomande was sent off for a second bookable offence after a poor challenge. The game ended 1-1 with both teams down to 10 men as Rangers pick up their first point in the Europa League for the season. This result lifted Rangers up to 33rd in the League Phase as Braga dropped to 7th in a game that Rangers will feel they should have got all three points from. RangersButland, Tavernier, Djiga, Fernandez, Aarons (Meghoma 89’), Raskin, Diomande sent off 90+5’, Barron (Miovski 77’), Danilo (Aasgaard 72’), Gassama, Chermiti (Antman 89’) Tavernier 45+3’ pen BragaHornicek, Gomez, Lagerbielke, Niakite, Arri-Mbi, Gorby (Moscardo 90+3’), Moutinho (Grillitsch 66’), Zalazar sent off 61’, Horta, Martinez (Carvalho 82’), Navarro (El Ouazzani 46’) Martinez 69’

November 28, 2025

Feyenoord 1-3 Celtic: Ruthless Celts Stun Dutch Giants

Feyenoord 1-3 Celtic Ueda (11′) Hyun-Jun (31′) Hatate (43′) Celtic shook De Kuip to record a crucial Europa League victory, in a potential send-off for interim manager Martin O’Neill. Feyenoord opened the scoring in the 11th minute. Sem Steijn gathered a Luciano Valente pass on the edge of Celtic’s box. The home captain showed composure, squaring the ball to Ayase Ueda, who finished low into the bottom left corner. The away side responded moments after the half-hour mark, with an efficient team move. Luke McCowan clipped a clever pass into the path of the onrushing Reo Hatate. The Japanese midfielder lofted the ball to the back post for Yang Hyun-Jun to volley home. Hatate put Celtic in dreamland on the stroke of halftime. Daizen Maeda pressured Feyenoord goalkeeper Timon Wellenreuther, who rushed his clearance into Hatate’s path. The midfielder’s first-time strike nestled in the centre of the goal to give Martin O’Neill’s side an unlikely lead. Feyenoord threatened in the second half, but it was the visitors who scored next. The ball broke to Benjamin Nygren in the box after Celtic pressure, and the Swedish attacker finished high off the crossbar. The goal sent the visiting support into frenzy, and rounded off a superb away victory. The win lifted Celtic into 17th place in the Europa League standings. They return to Premiership action at Easter Road on Sunday. Feyenoord: Wellenreuther, Lotomba (van Persie 81′) Ahmedhodzic, Watanabe, Smal (Nieuwkoop 62′) Valente (Timber 76′) Steijn, Targhalline, Moussa, Ueda, Sauer (Diarra 62′) Celtic: Schmeichel, Donovan (Ralston 84′) Trusty, Scales, Tierney (Murray 70′) McGregor, Engels, Hatate (Bernardo 83′) Yang (Tounekti 71′) McCowan (Nygren 63′) Maeda

November 27, 2025

Celtic Back To Winning Ways After Stumping Sturm Graz

Celtic 2-1 Sturm Graz Horvat (15′) Scales (61′) Nygren (64′) Celtic got their first European win of the season as they came from behind to defeat Austrian champions Sturm Graz 2-1 at Celtic Park. Tomi Horvat scored a screamer to close the opening quarter of an hour but two corner routines three minutes apart created goals for Liam Scales and Benjamin Nygren to move the Hoops into the top 24 of the league phase. It was a more characteristic performance from the Parkhead club who looked eager to right the wrongs of Sunday when they were deservedly beaten by Dundee. The hosts were stung in the opening two minutes when Kelechi Iheanacho fell to the ground with a muscle injury, and had to be replaced by Johnny Kenny. The Irishman chased down a long ball from a returning Alistair Johnston down the right flank on the 14th minute, and fashioned an opportunity for himself when he knicked the ball from Dimitri Lavalee. The angle was never favourable for the striker however, as his shot flashed wide. Just one minute later, Sturm Graz midfielder Horvat picked up the ball around 30 yards and unleashed a rocket with his left boot that landed into the top left corner of Kasper Schmeichel’s goal. The Dane came under a lot of criticism last time out for Celtic in the Europa League, but there was no stopping the Slovenian’s strike this time. Celtic were forced into another change just 25 minutes in, with the comeback of Alistair Johnston brought to devastatingly early end. The Canadian international looked gutted heading up the tunnel with a suspected hamstring injury, having not played due to a similar issue since Celtic’s home leg draw with Kairat Almaty in August. The Bhoys nearly levelled the scoring immediately after the restart. Reo Hatate broke forward and his left-footed half volley going over the bar woke the home crowd up. But the equaliser would come after a period of sustained pressure on the 61st minute. A short corner found its way inside the box to Colby Donovan, who’s low ball was met by Liam Scales and the Irishman pushed the ball into the bottom left corner with a deft finish. And Celtic put themselves ahead with another corner three minutes later. Arne Engels whipped a ball into the six yard box, and Benjamin Nygren rose highest to nod home. There was a roar of relief from the Swede, having missed four big chances leading up this. The visitors were reduced to ten men on the 70th minute. Tochi Chukwuani was beaten to the ball in a 50/50 by Callum McGregor and the Danish midfielder’s studs caught the Celtic captain too high on the shin for referee Juan Martinez’s liking. The result moves Celtic into the playoff section of the Europa League in 21st. They have three domestic bouts to hurdle, including the small matters of a trip to Tynecastle and Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Rangers, before their next European fixture away to Europa League leaders FC Midtjylland of Denmark. CELTIC: Schmeichel 5, Johnston 3 (Donovan 26′ 7), Carter-Vickers 6, Scales 7, Tierney 7, Hatate 5, Engels 8, McGregor 6, Nygren 6, Tounekti (Balikwisha 78′ 2) 6, Iheanacho 1 (Kenny 2′ 5) STURM GRAZ: Bignetti 5, Oermann 4 (Mitchell 46′ 4), Aiwu 6, Lavalee 5, Karic 5, Chukwuani 3, Stankovic 6, Horvat 7 (Kayombo 82′ 1), Rozga 5 (Hodl 59′ 3), Malone 6 (Jatta 59’4)

October 23, 2025

Brann 3-0 Rangers: Rohl Suited but Gers Booted in Norway

Brann 3-0 Rangers Kornvig (40′) Sørensen (55′) Holm (79′) Danny Rohl endured defeat in his opening game at the Rangers helm, as Norway’s SK Brann sprinted to a comfortable Europa League victory in Bergen. The new manager opted for two changes from the side who started Saturday’s draw against Dundee United. Nasser Djiga and Youssef Chermiti replaced Bojan Miovski and Derek Cornelius, as the new Ibrox manager urged his team to, “stick together” in his prematch interview with TNT Sports. The home side enjoyed a comfortable opening half, taking the lead in the 40th minute. Bard Finne raced onto a well-timed through ball which split the Rangers defence, his scuffed strike kindly broke into the path of Emil Kornvig who bundled home. Chermiti had missed a huge opportunity earlier in the game. Joe Rothwell’s clipped ball dropped kindly into the striker’s path, but the Portuguese could only glance his header into Mathias Dyngeland’s hands. Rohl would have hoped for a brighter start to the second half, but Brann picked up where they left off in the first, adding another goal in the 54th minute. Bard Finne was again involved, producing a whipped freekick from the left for Jacob Sørensen to head home. Noah Holm controlled a left sided cross in the 79th minute, slamming home the third and final blow for the visitors. The performance would have served a reality check for Rohl, simply put, he has a huge job to turn the Ibrox side’s fortunes. The result leaves Rangers winless in their opening three matches, they return to Scottish Premiership action on Sunday against Kilmarnock. Brann: Dyngeland, De Roeve (Hansen 78′) Knudsen, Helland, Dragsnes, Kornvig, Sorensen (Sande 78′) Gudmundsson, Finne (Haaland 68′) Mathisen (Pedersen 68′) Holm (Remmem 85′) Rangers: Butland, Tavernier, Souttar, Djiga (Cornelius 76′) Meghoma, Raskin, Rothwell (Barron 64′) Antman (Moore 56′) Aasgaard (Miovski 64′) Gassama, Chermiti (Danilo 76′)

October 23, 2025

Rangers Beaten in Graz as Misery Compounds for Under Pressure Martin

Sturm Graz 2-1 Rangers Horvat (7′) Kiteishvili (35′) Gassama (49′) A first-half double from Sturm Graz ensured back-to-back Europa League defeats for Rangers, as their dismal season opening continues. The home side made a dream start in the 7th minute. After picking off a James Tavernier throw-in, they worked the ball to Tomi Horvat, whose shot went through Jack Butland in goal. The goalkeeper perhaps should have done better, but it was a disastrous start for Russell Martin’s side. Belmin Beganovic forced Butland into an important near-post save, as Sturm Graz looked to double their advantage soon after. Youssef Chermiti’s back post header crashed off the crossbar, as the visitors searched for the leveller after 17 minutes. Sturm Graz continued to control proceedings and added a second in the 35th minute. Rangers were caught off guard by a deep free kick, evading their entire defensive line. Otar Kiteishvili had acres of space to poke the ball past Butland. It was a clever finish by the Georgian, but a lack of concentration from the visitors played a huge part. Russell Martin turned to his bench at halftime, with Bojan Miovski and Max Aarons replacing Jayden Meghoma and Oliver Antman. The visitors started the second half on top. Djeidi Gassama latched onto Nico Raskin’s clipped pass, after cutting inside, and thumped a low shot past Oliver Christensen, offering some encouragement to the travelling fans behind the goal. Rangers submitted an improved second-half performance, but were let off several times by the Austrian attack. John Souttar almost secured a point in injury time, but Christensen reacts brilliantly to parry over his strike from close range. The defeat leaves Rangers with 0 points from their opening two Europa League matches. They return to domestic action at the Falkirk Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Questions remain for under-pressure Russell Martin, after another disappointing defeat. Sturm Graz: Christensen, Ooermann, Aiwu, Lavalee, Karic, Stankovic, Horvat, Chukwuani, Kiteishvili, Malone, Beganovic Rangers: Butland, Tavernier, Souttar, Cornelius, Meghoma, Raskin, Barron, Aasgaard, Antman, Chermiti, Gassama

October 2, 2025

Horta and Martinez Strike as Celtic Slump to Braga Defeat

Celtic 0-2 Sporting Braga Horta (20′) Martinez (85′) A goal in each half secured a 2-0 victory for Sporting Braga over Celtic in the Europa League, drawing loud boos from the frustrated home support. Brendan Rodgers’ side produced a positive start, new signings Kelechi and Sebastian Tounekti linked after 13 minutes, but the latter’s strike was straight at Braga goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek. The chance encouraged the home faithful, but hopes evaporated as Braga dominated the remainder of the first half. Ricardo Horta gave the visitors the lead after 20 minutes. After collecting the ball in acres of space, he unleashed a dipping 30-yard strike which wrongfooted Kasper Schmeichel in goal. The Portuguese side had struggled in the early stages, but looked far more assured after Horta’s goal. They dominated the central areas, running Celtic’s midfield ragged. Florian Grillitsch had opportunities to double the lead close to halftime, but a powerful strike after 44 minutes was tipped over by Schmiechel. The Austrian midfielder had two close-range efforts blocked moments later. The halftime whistle brought boos from the home faithful. Despite a strong start, Rodgers’ side would have to improve to wrestle the game back in their favour from the confident visitors. Iheanacho thought he had brought Celtic level five minutes into the second period. The striker beat two Braga defenders to the ball and drove a low shot past Hornicek at the left-hand side of the box. The goal looked certain to stand, but a lengthy VAR check concluded that the Nigerian forward had handled the ball in the build-up. The decision stunned the home support, as the ball seemed to only connect with Iheanacho’s head. The incident ignited a quiet Celtic Park, and Callum McGregor’s close-range shot was expertly blocked as Rodgers’ side pressed for the equaliser. Kieran Tierney blocked a Horta strike and had his back-post header saved as both sides continued to attack. Hornicek was again on hand to save Tounekti’s bending effort aimed at the bottom right-hand corner. Braga doubled their lead in the 85th minute to seal the game. A flowing move eventually found its way to Gabi Martinez. The substitute’s effort rebounded to Dane Murray, who’s attempted clearance cannoned off Martinez, and past Schmeichel. Celtic were unable to force their way back into the game, leaving them with one point from their opening two Europa League matches. They have a chance to respond against Motherwell on Sunday afternoon. Celtic: Schmeichel, Donovan, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Tierney, McGregor, Bernardo, Nygren, Maeda, Iheanacho, Tounekti Braga: Hornicek, Da Rocha, Lagerbielke, Arrey-Mbi, Lelo, Grillitsch, Carvalho, Gorby, Victor, Horta, El Ouazzani

October 2, 2025