As far as glamour games go, they don’t get much bigger than Barcelona.
The Catalan giants may be in transition at present, but what a tie that would be for Rangers in the Europa League.
After tonight’s Champions League games, the list of potential opponents for Rangers in Monday’s draw is known – except that is for Atalanta or Villarreal who could not play tonight due to heavy snow fall in Bergamo.
The list is as follows:
RB Leipzig
Porto
Borussia Dortmund
Sheriff Tiraspol
Barcelona
Atalanta/Villarreal
Sevilla
Zenit
A high level encounter is almost guaranteed for the Europa League last 32 tie.
Destiny?
A return for GvB to face his old pal Xavi at his former club and in the 50th anniversary year of the European Cup Winners’ Cup victory at the very same stadium, could fate unfold in a kind way?
We won’t have long to wait to find out if this is about to happen.
On the pitch, Rangers are already assured of second place in Group A meaning the tie against Lyon tomorrow night is meaningless in a competitive sense, so others will get game time, as stated today by Gio.
As for Barca, they were routed tonight in Bavaria, falling 3-0 to Bayern Munich when they had to realistically win to get through to the next stage of the Champions League – now Xavi, a former teammate of the Rangers boss – will lead his side into Europe’s secondary competition and given their current predicament, whilst they do still possess talented players, they will not be feared.
The draw for the play-off round of the Europa League takes place on Monday at 1200 noon UK time.