2023-24 UEFA Europa League Group Stage: Rangers vs Real Betis

Rangers welcome Real Betis to Ibrox in their opening Group C clash in 2023-24 UEFA Europa League. 

Victory would see Rangers or Real Betis go top if can better Sparta Prague’s result against Aris Limassol elsewhere.

 

Team News

Rangers have no fresh injury concerns to report following their Scottish Premiership win at St Johnstone.

Todd Cantwell and Kieran Dowell (both knee) and Steven Davis (ACL) remain ruled out.

Real Betis could welcome goalkeeper, Claudio Bravo back into contention after he recovered from an ankle injury, which had kept him sidelined for the start of this season and comes at the ideal time after Rui Silva suffered a thigh injury during their La Liga loss to Barcelona.

Andres Guardado (ankle), William Carvalho (calf) and Aitor Garcia (appendicitis) are also set to be in contention for selection.

Youssouf Sabaly (thigh) and Nabil Fekir (ACL) remain absent.

 

When is Kick-off?

Rangers host Real Betis at Ibrox in a 8pm BST kick-off on 21 September, live on TNT Sport 3 in the UK.

 

Stat Attack

• This is Rangers’ first-ever meeting against Real Betis in all UEFA competitions.
• Real Betis are playing away to Rangers at Ibrox for the very first time in all competitions.
• Real Betis are the ninth different Spanish team that Rangers have met in all UEFA competitions.
• Rangers have kept no clean sheets in their last six matches at Ibrox in all UEFA competitions (W1, D2, L3).
• Real Betis are unbeaten in six of their last nine away matches in all UEFA competitions (W5, D1, L3).

 

Prediction

Having been hammered by PSV in their last European outing, Rangers will certainly be looking for a much improved performance to kick-start their Europa League campaign, especially given that it is a group which they can realistically look to top if able to play their best but defend better.

Real Betis meanwhile have solid European pedigree in recent seasons but haven’t exactly been consistent this season, whilst a demoralising 5-0 loss to Barcelona last weekend means that they will be eager to come out and deliver a stronger performance.

Rangers however aren’t an easy team to beat so I expect this game to be close but given the Gers’ defensive vulnerability, a draw might well be a fair bet if Betis can find their attacking boots again.

Prediction: Rangers 1-1 Real Betis

Result: Rangers 1-0 Real Betis