The Europa League is back, and Rangers are ready to light up Europe once again! With a brand new structure in place for the 2024/25 season, this year’s competition promises to be unlike anything we’ve seen before. Whether it’s the new format, the money on the line, or the sheer excitement of facing top European clubs, there’s plenty for us, the Rangers faithful, to be buzzing about. Let’s dive into what this season’s Europa League holds for our beloved Gers.
| No. | Match Teams |
| 1. | Rangers v Tottenham |
| 2. | Manchester United v Rangers |
| 3. | Rangers v Lyon |
| 4. | Olympiacos v Rangers |
| 5. | Rangers v Union SG |
| 6. | Malmo v Rangers |
| 7. | Rangers v FCSB |
| 8. | Nice v Rangers |
The New Europa League Format: What’s Changed?
Gone are the days of traditional group stages; UEFA has shaken things up by introducing a league table format across both the Champions League and Europa League. This season, 36 teams will compete in a single league table, up from 32 in previous years. But here’s the twist: instead of playing the same three teams home and away, Rangers will face eight different opponents—four at Ibrox and four on the road.
Being in Pot 1, we might have a slight edge, but with two opponents from each of the four pots (one home, one away), the competition is fierce. The top eight teams from the league will advance directly to the last 16, while those finishing between 9th and 24th will battle it out in a knockout playoff. It’s a high-stakes, high-reward scenario, and we wouldn’t want it any other way!
The Draw: Enter the AI
The draw this year is a spectacle in itself. UEFA has roped in AI to manage the complexities of arranging fixtures, given the sheer number of matches involved. Imagine the challenge: 36 teams, each needing to face eight different opponents, and all of it has to be done without clashes between clubs from the same nation until much later in the competition. That’s where AI steps in, streamlining a process that could take hours if done manually.
It’s fascinating to think that a machine will play such a pivotal role in determining who we face, but one thing is for sure: whoever we draw, it’s going to be an epic ride through Europe!
The Financial Stakes: What’s Up for Grabs?
Let’s talk money. The disparity between the Champions League and Europa League has never been more evident, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to play for financially. This season, the total pot for the Europa League stands at €565 million, with each of the 36 clubs guaranteed a league phase allocation of €4.31 million. That’s a decent chunk of change, but it gets better with performance bonuses. Each win in the league phase will net the club €450,000, while a draw will bring in €150,000.
For Rangers, every match is an opportunity to boost the coffers, not just with prize money but also through the potential for further progress in the competition. The further we go, the bigger the rewards—both on and off the pitch.
Who Could Rangers Face?
While the exact fixture list will be confirmed after the draw, being in Pot 1 offers some comfort but doesn’t guarantee an easy ride. Clubs like Manchester United, Tottenham, Porto, Roma, and Eintracht Frankfurt are all lurking in the other pots, ready to give us a run for our money. Domestic clashes are now allowed from the quarter-finals onwards, so we could see some tasty matchups down the line.
One thing’s for sure: the road to Europa League glory will be paved with challenges, but that’s what makes it all the more exciting.
The Road Ahead: Key Dates
Mark your calendars, fellow Bears! The journey kicks off on 25/26 September 2024, with the final group stage match set for 30 January 2025. With two fixtures taking place after Christmas, we’ll have the chance to keep the European dream alive well into the new year.
As soon as the draw is made, we’ll update you with the full fixture list, but rest assured, every matchday will be a crucial step in what we hope will be a memorable Europa League campaign.
Rangers are back in the Europa League, and with a fresh format, the stakes have never been higher. Whether it’s the new league system, the AI-assisted draw, or the financial rewards on the line, there’s plenty for us to get excited about. So, let’s get behind the team and show Europe what Rangers are made of! WATP!