Rangers Host Ludogorets: Europa League Battle for Pride and Qualification Hopes
In a pivotal UEFA Europa League encounter, Rangers will host Ludogorets at Ibrox Stadium. While Rangers' chances of advancing to the knockout stages are slim, they are eager to secure their first Europa League win of the season in front of their home crowd. Ludogorets, on the other hand, are still actively fighting for qualification, making this a crucial match for their European aspirations.
Match Background & Qualification Scenarios
This match is a UEFA Europa League league phase fixture. For the home side, Glasgow Rangers, their European campaign has been challenging this season, as they currently sit in 33rd place with just one point, six points adrift of the top 24, making their chances of qualifying for the knockout rounds virtually over. Therefore, Rangers will be playing for pride at home, aiming to secure their first Europa League victory of the season. The visiting team, Ludogorets Razgrad, finds themselves in a different situation. They are in 23rd place with seven points and are still actively battling for qualification to the next stage. This game is crucial for their European fate, as they hold just a one-point cushion from the elimination zone.
Recent Form
Rangers have been in excellent domestic form recently, maintaining an impressive five-match winning streak in the Scottish Premiership. Their most recent fixture was a commanding 5-0 victory over Annan Athletic in the Scottish Cup. However, their European performances have been less favorable; their last Europa League outing saw them lose 2-1 away to Ferencvaros, extending their winless run in the competition. Despite this, Rangers are unbeaten in their last eight games at Ibrox. Ludogorets, on the other hand, have shown strong form in the Bulgarian First League, with an overall record of 10 wins, 7 draws, and 2 losses this season, placing them second in the league table. Their most recent league match was a 4-0 away win against Beroe. In the Europa League, Ludogorets have accumulated seven points from six games, comprising two wins, one draw, and three losses. Although they started their European campaign with a promising 2-1 away victory against Malmo, they have suffered defeats in their subsequent two away trips and have conceded in all six of their Europa League matches.
Key Players & Injury News
For Rangers, defender John Souttar will miss this match against Ludogorets, as well as the upcoming game against Dundee, due to injury. Dujon Sterling has returned to training following a hamstring injury, and Derek Cornelius has also recovered from a muscle injury sustained in November. Other notable injuries include Connor Barron (knee injury, expected back early April 2026) and Nedim Bajrami (hamstring injury, expected back late January 2026). Key players for Rangers are expected to include James Tavernier (defender), Mikey Moore (forward), Youssef Chermiti (forward), and Mohammed Diomande (midfielder). For Ludogorets, Emre Kurtulus (knee injury) and Georgi Terziev (cruciate ligament injury) are expected to be out, with Kurtulus anticipated to return in late January 2026. Midfielder Pedro Naressi, who suffered a knee injury in April 2025, was expected to recover within 6-8 weeks, making him likely available for this match. Ludogorets' attacking threats may include the recently in-form forward Bernard Tekpetey and striker Kwadwo Duah, who made a significant impact in a recent game.