Until recently, Rangers were regarded as the Champions League’s weakest ever team.
The 2022/23 European season was a disaster for Gers, who were drawn in a Group of Death with Liverpool, Napoli, and Ajax.
The team, managed by Giovanni van Bronckhorst and then Michael Beale, lost every single match, with the Reds losing 7-1, the Dutchman losing 4-0, and the Italians losing 3-0.
All of this combined to leave the Ibrox men with zero points and a goal differential of -20, having scored only two goals in six games.
Rangers haven’t competed in the group stage or league phase since, but they are having another strong Europa League campaign and may finish in the top eight with a win over Union Saint-Gilloise.
But that very unfavorable Champions League record has hung over them, until now.
Young Boys overtake Rangers’ Champions League record.
That’s because Swiss club Young Boys, who lost to Celtic last week, have now relinquished control.
They suffered another setback yesterday night, 1-0 to Crvena Zvezda, leaving them with no points and a goal differential of -21.
Despite the fact that this occurred over eight games rather than six, Rangers remain statistically the weakest Champions League team ever.
Of course, they have a little poorer goal difference across more games, but that also means they have a better chance of picking up at least a point.
Rangers can continue their Europa League form.
The recent Champions League history does not make for interesting reading, but the performances in the Europa League have been far superior.
No-one will forget that incredible march to the final and there were also good runs under Steven Gerrard, and even some memorable nights just last season before defeat to Benfica.
Rangers may still qualify for the Europa League final 16 by facing USG tonight, but may require a favor from last week’s opponent Manchester United. However, they must first defeat the Belgians. The most likely scenario is the play-offs.
