2020-21 UEFA Europa League Last 16: Second Leg – Rangers vs Slavia Prague

Rangers welcome Slavia Prague to Ibrox in the second leg of their last 16 tie in 2020-21 UEFA Europa League.

With the tie locked at 1-1 after the first leg, Rangers know that a goalless draw would see them through on away goals rule although a 1-1 draw would mean needing to win in extra time or on penalties to advance.

Slavia Prague meanwhile must score at least twice in order to progress unless can take the match to a penalty shootout and seal their passage via that method instead.

 

Team News

Rangers have no fresh injury concerns to report after their 1-1 draw in the first leg last week.

Ryan Jack (calf) and James Tavernier (knee) remain absent for the hosts.

Slavia Prague have no fresh injury concerns as Peter Olayinka remains a doubt with an unspecified injury suffered in the first leg.

 

Stat Attack

• Rangers drew the first leg against Slavia Prague last week, which marked the first-ever meeting between these teams (D1).
• Slavia Prague have lost each of their two previous European away trips to Scottish opposition, although they did need extra time at St Mirren in First Round of 1985-86 UEFA Cup.
• Three of Rangers’ 13 home goals in five Europa League matches at Ibrox this season has come from the penalty spot.
• Two of Slavia Prague’s six Europa League away goals this season have come from Lukas Provod.
• This match is the first of either club’s Europa League campaigns this season to be refereed by Orel Grinfeld.

 

Prediction

With Slavia Prague’s home stadium proving an incredibly difficult place to visit, Rangers did a fantastic job to snatch an away goal and will be pleased to have had a full week to prepare due to no domestic game last weekend.

Slavia Prague meanwhile have often been inconsistent away from home in Europe this season with just two wins and three defeats from five away trips, which is a concern especially given their poor away record in Scotland and Gers’ fiercely unbeaten home form this season.

Goals therefore are a certainty here I feel and if Rangers can get that first goal, I think they will crack on and end Slavia Prague’s campaign because the visitors simply need that first goal otherwise this could well be a difficult task for them due to Gers’ dominant home form.

Prediction: Rangers 2-1 Slavia Prague

Result: Rangers 0-2 Slavia Prague (Slavia Prague win 3-1 on aggregate!!!)