Rangers Champions League opponents – Servette, Brann, Panathinaikos

All You Need to Know About Rangers’ Potential Champions League Round 3 QR Opponents

ByRangers News Feed

Who Rangers Could Face in Europe – Servette, Brann or Panathinaikos?

The Rangers Champions League adventure takes its next big step tomorrow as the third qualifying round draw is made. Russell Martin’s side will be seeded – but that doesn’t mean it’ll be easy.

Here’s a quick guide to the three potential opponents Rangers could face next: Swiss outfit Servette, Greek giants Panathinaikos, and Norwegian form team SK Brann.

Let’s break each down, including their current form, recent domestic performances, and what kind of threat they pose in Europe.

🇨🇭 Servette – Swiss Grit with European Experience

Servette finished second in the Swiss Super League last season, just five points behind champions Young Boys. They were tough to beat, with only seven league losses all season and a goal difference of +17.

They have European pedigree too – last season, they reached the Champions League third qualifying round, only to fall to Rangers themselves over two legs (3-2 agg). This season, they’ll be back for revenge.

  • Key Player: Timothé Cognat – a clever midfielder, averaging 2.3 chances created per 90 on FotMob.
  • Manager: René Weiler – experienced, tactically flexible, and no stranger to European nights.

📊 Servette have lost just 3 of their last 15 European home games.

🇳🇴 SK Brann – Norway’s In-Form Machine

Unlike the others, Brann are mid-season in the Eliteserien – currently 2nd, behind only Bodø/Glimt. That makes them dangerous. Match sharp, confident, and unbeaten in 8 straight league games.

They’ve already scored 28 goals in 13 games, with striker Bård Finne bagging 8 of them. Their pressing game under Eirik Horneland has become a nightmare for opponents.

  • Key Player: Bård Finne – averages a goal every 120 minutes and is ranked in the top 3 for shots on target in Norway (via FotMob).
  • Manager: Eirik Horneland – aggressive, intense, and leads one of Europe’s fittest sides.

Brann also won the Norwegian Cup last season, so they know how to get through knockout rounds.

🇬🇷 Panathinaikos – Greek Power with Big Ambitions

“Pana” finished 4th in the Greek Super League, but only six points off the top. In Europe, they were impressive – eliminating Marseille in last season’s Champions League qualifiers before narrowly falling to Braga.

Manager Fatih Terim has added steel to their midfield and structure to their defence. Greek sides are rarely pushovers, and Panathinaikos are one of the most experienced.

  • Key Player: Bernard – the former Shakhtar and Brazil winger adds flair and control. Ranked top 5 in Greece for progressive carries.
  • Manager: Fatih Terim – a European veteran who’s managed Turkey and Galatasaray.

📈 Panathinaikos kept 16 clean sheets in the 2023/24 domestic season – more than any other Greek side.

Final Word

None of these potential ties will be easy, but Rangers fans will fancy their chances. Servette are out for revenge, Brann are flying mid-season, and Panathinaikos bring European experience.

The draw takes place tomorrow, and Rangers will know exactly who stands between them and the Champions League second qualifying round.

Stay tuned to the official UEFA Champions League website for live updates and confirmation of the draw.

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