Rangers Football Club advanced to the quarter-finals of the Europa League after an intense and nail-biting victory against Fenerbahce on March 18, 2025, showcasing their resilience under pressure. The match saw Rangers enter the second leg with a comfortable 3-1 aggregate lead, but Fenerbahce fought back valiantly, equalizing to force extra time and subsequently a penalty shootout. The game ended in dramatic fashion, with Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland emerging as the hero, saving crucial penalties and securing the Light Blues’ progression into the next round.
Manager Barry Ferguson’s side is now set to face Athletic Club in the quarter-finals, with the first leg scheduled to take place at Ibrox Stadium on April 10, 2025, followed by the second leg at Estadio de San Mamés in Bilbao on April 17, 2025. The semi-finals of the Europa League are slated for May 1 and May 8, culminating in the grand final scheduled for May 21, 2025, also at the Estadio de San Mamés.
The journey is reminiscent of Rangers’ incredible run during the 2021/22 season, where they reached the finals but ultimately fell short against Eintracht Frankfurt in a penalty shootout. This history fuels the aspirations of both the team and their fans, who are hoping for another fairytale finish and a chance to lift the trophy.
However, Rangers are not the only team in contention for European glory this year. The Premier League is buzzing with excitement as clubs fight not only for domestic supremacy but also for places in various European competitions. As of March 18, 2025, Liverpool leads the Premier League with 70 points, closely followed by Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, Chelsea, and Manchester City, all vying for spots in the UEFA Champions League as well as the Europa League.
To further elaborate, here's how the current Premier League standings look: Liverpool tops the table with 70 points after 29 matches, having won 27, drawn 7, and lost only once. Arsenal follows in second place with 58 points while Nottingham Forest holds third with 54 points, indicating a fierce race as the season approaches its concluding stages. Chelsea sits in fourth place with 49 points, while Manchester City occupies the fifth spot with 48 points. Newcastle and Brighton are also battling it out, currently positioned sixth and seventh, respectively, both harboring hopes of European qualification.
The interest intensifies, as it is expected that the Premier League will earn a fifth Champions League position for the 2025/26 season, based on UEFA coefficients. The likelihood of this happening is remarkably high—at 99.9%—according to performance predictions which suggest that securing just one win in the Champions League quarterfinals would solidify England's standing. This prospect means clubs must not only claim their current positions but also be strategic in their gameplay to ensure a spot for European action next season.
Certainly, the stakes could increase further depending on the outcomes of domestic cup competitions. The winners of the 2024/25 FA Cup will secure an automatic berth in the Europa League, while the winners of the EFL Cup will earn a place in the Europa Conference League. Such outcomes could lead to further shifts in which clubs qualify for European competitions based on their league standings and the outcomes of these cups.
As the Premier League competition heats up, so too does the intrigue surrounding European tournaments. All eyes will be on Rangers as they navigate through the latter stages of the Europa League, mirroring the ambitions of other clubs throughout England’s top leagues pursuing their dreams of continental success. Will Rangers drive through to the finals once again? Fans can only hope that their squad’s determination will serve them well on this thrilling journey to European glory.
