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With preparations underway for a crucial summer, Rangers potential Champions League playoff opponents have now come into focus — and they’re far from straightforward. Following Union Saint-Gilloise’s shock title win in Belgium, the Light Blues will be unseeded in the playoff round, opening the door to possible ties against European heavyweights Benfica or Club Brugge.
But before that, Rangers must still clear Qualifying Rounds 2 and 3 — making this one of the most challenging paths back to Europe’s elite stage in recent memory.
Why Rangers Are Unseeded in the Playoff Round?
Rangers’ hopes of a seeded playoff spot hinged on Club Brugge winning the Belgian league. But USG’s title triumph has changed all that. The knock-on effect pushes Rangers into the unseeded side of the playoff draw, stacking the odds early.
The result has major implications for the calibre of teams Rangers could face in the final qualifying round.
The Road to the Playoff Round: A Two-Step Battle
Before fans can look forward to the draw itself, Rangers will first have to successfully navigate:
- ✅ Second Qualifying Round
- ✅ Third Qualifying Round
These rounds are scheduled for July and early August, and while the opponents aren’t yet confirmed, they will be critical fixtures — both financially and competitively.
Get through those, and the Rangers potential playoff opponents come into view.
Possible Opponents: Benfica or Club Brugge
Here are two of the most likely seeded sides Rangers could face in the playoff round:
- Benfica – A Portuguese giant with serious Champions League pedigree. Technical, experienced, and dangerous — both home and away.
- Club Brugge – A team Rangers fans are familiar with. While not as daunting as Benfica on paper, Brugge still boast European experience and a deep squad.
Other potential opponents are still to be confirmed based on results across Europe, but the picture is becoming clearer.
Champions League Windfall Could Shape the Summer
Getting to the Champions League group stage would be worth £20 million or more — a potential game-changer for Rangers’ summer rebuild. That boost could significantly increase the transfer budget available to the new manager.
Reports suggest Davide Ancelotti and Steven Gerrard are among the leading contenders for the Ibrox hot seat. Whoever lands the job, they’ll be stepping into a high-pressure situation with immediate European qualifiers on the horizon — and serious financial incentives tied to performance.
New Era, Big Expectations
With Philippe Clement gone, Rangers fans are bracing for another managerial shake-up. The Champions League qualifiers will serve as a massive early test for the next boss — and a chance to make an instant impact both on the pitch and in the transfer market.
Whether it’s a returning Gerrard or a fresh face like Ancelotti, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
You can also track the full draw schedule at UEFA’s Champions League site.
Final Thoughts: Rangers Potential Opponents Pose Serious Test
Rangers potential playoff opponents are a reminder that nothing will come easy this summer. From early qualifiers to a possible showdown with a seeded giant, the journey back to Europe’s top table is a real uphill battle.
But Rangers have never backed down from a challenge — and if they can navigate this path, the rewards could be massive.
