Rangers are returning to compete in Europe after emerging from the Scottish lower leagues
Rangers FC is one of the most legendary clubs in European football. Founded in 1872, the Scottish side play in the Scottish Premier League and have the honour of being the most successful sporting team in European football history. Their incredible trophy collection is made up of 114 titles, including 54 league championships, 33 cups and a European Cup Winners’ Cup.
The Scottish side, known as the Blues, has a historic rivalry with another great team in the country, Celtic FC, also located in Glasgow, with the two sides famously playing out the ‘Old Firm Derby’. Rangers’ official colours are royal blue, white and red.
Despite their impressive history, an economic crisis condemned the club from Ibrox Stadium to an administrative relegation to the Scottish Third Division, the fourth tier. In 2012, the club was refounded to replace the entity that went into liquidation. After four years making their way up through the leagues, they returned to the top flight in 2016 and this season returned to European competition, after finishing last season third in the league.
The Yellow Submarine, looking for their first win in Scotland
Villarreal, who drew 2-2 against Rangers at the Estadio de la Cerámica on the first matchday of Group G, will try and get their first victory on Scottish soil, a win that would confirm their passage to the last 32 of the UEFA Europa League.
The history books are on the side of the Yellows. Besides meeting this season already, the Yellows eliminated Rangers in the last 16 of the Champions League in 2005/06 thanks to away goals. There was a 2-2 draw in Glasgow, before a 1-1 tie at the old El Madrigal.
Rangers have three wins out of their 23 matches against Spanish sides. All of them were at home and the last was in 1985 when Osasuna fell by the smallest margin at Ibrox. Villarreal have only lost once in Scotland, in the 2008/09 Champions League group stage.
Ibrox, a legendary stadium
Ibrox Stadium is one of the most legendary stadiums in Europe. Opened in 1899, the ancient ground, located in the Ibrox district of Glasgow, has a capacity of 50,897.
