Dortmund vs Rangers Europa League knockout round play-off preview: Where to watch, predicted line-ups, squad changes
Thursday, February 17, 2022
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When is it? How can you watch it? What are the possible line-ups? All you need to know about the UEFA Europa League knockout round play-off first leg between Dortmund and Rangers.
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Dortmund and Rangers meet in the UEFA Europa League knockout round play-off first leg on Thursday 17 February.
Dortmund vs Rangers at a glance
When: Thursday 17 February (18:45 CET kick-off)
Where: BVB Stadion, Dortmund, Germany
What: UEFA Europa League knockout round play-off (second leg 24 February)
Winners: Advance to UEFA Europa League round of 16; losers exit Europe
How to follow: Build-up and live coverage will appear here
Where to watch Dortmund vs Rangers on TV
Fans can find their local UEFA Europa League broadcast partner(s) here.
What do you need to know?
Dortmund return to the competition for the first time in four seasons to face a Rangers side looking to build on their 2020/21 run to the last 16. The Scottish giants have had a greater challenge on their hands this term, both in domestic competition and in Europe, but they are always up for the fight. They know all about Erling Haaland, who is an injury doubt, Englishman Jude Bellingham and also Giovanni Reyna, whose dad Claudio spent two seasons with the Gers and named his son after his former team-mate. A certain Mr Van Bronckhorst.
Possible line-ups
Dortmund: Kobel; Akanji, Hummels, Zagadou, Guerreiro; Dahoud; Brandt, Bellingham; Reus, Hazard; Malen
Rangers: McGregor; Tavernier, Goldson, Bassey, Barišić; Jack/Lundstrum, Kamara; Djallo, Aribo, Kent; Morelos
What are the knockout round play-offs?
The UEFA Europa League knockout round play-offs have been introduced for the first time this season. There are 16 teams involved: the eight runners-up from the UEFA Europa League group stage and the eight third-placed teams from the UEFA Champions League group stage.
Ties are played over two legs and will conclude on Thursday 24 February; the away goals rule has been abolished. The eight winners advance to the round of 16 draw on Friday 25 February (the eight group winners have already qualified for this); the eight play-off losers will no longer be involved in 2021/22 European competition.
Form guide
Dortmund
Last six games (all competitions, most recent first): WLWLWWL
Where they stand: 2nd in Bundesliga, German Cup round of 16
Rangers
Last six games: WWWLDWW
Where they stand: 2nd in Scottish Premiership, Scottish Cup quarter-finals, League Cup semi-finals
Expert prediction
James Thorogood, match reporter
BVB have something to atone for after exiting the UEFA Champions League at the group stage and, even in the probable absence of Erling Haaland, will want to send a message of intent against Rangers as they look to keep their only hope of silverware this season alive.
What the coaches say
Marco Rose, Dortmund coach: "Rangers are a team that play as a unit with a few strong individual players. They’re a team with weapons. They've got pace and combine well on the wings."
Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Rangers manager: "We are playing against one of the top sides in Europe, you know at this stage in Europe you play against very good opposition. We can't wait for the challenge and will go out and try to get to the next round [...] We have analysed Dortmund very well, they are a quality side with good players and coaches. It will be a difficult game for us but one we relish."
Squad changes
Dortmund
In: none
Out: Ansgar Knauff, Tobias Raschl
Rangers
In: Amad Diallo, Aaron Ramsey, James Sands
Out: Juninho Bacuna, Ianis Hagi, Filip Helander, Nathan Patterson