Rangers or Maribor to face Ufa or Progres Niederkorn in Europa League play-off

Rangers have been drawn to face Ufa or Progres Niederkorn if they can get past NK Maribor in the Europa League third qualifying round.

Founded in 2009, Ufa are making their bow in European football this season, and saw off Domzale of Slovenia on away goals in the Europa League second qualifying round.

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Established so that the Republic of Bashkortostan, and the city of Ufa, would have a team in the Russian Premier League, the club began life in the third tier of the Russian football league, with former Rangers star Andrei Kanchelskis tasked with leading the side to the Russian Premier League.

Steven Gerrard has successfully negotiated ties against Shkupi and Osijek so far - will he make it three against Maribor? Picture: SNS GroupSteven Gerrard has successfully negotiated ties against Shkupi and Osijek so far - will he make it three against Maribor? Picture: SNS Group
Steven Gerrard has successfully negotiated ties against Shkupi and Osijek so far - will he make it three against Maribor? Picture: SNS Group

Originally called FC Bashinformsvyaz-Dynamo Ufa, they made it to the second tier at the expense of Dynamo Bryansk, who failed to meet licensing requirements in time, and the new club competed in their first Russian First Division season in 2012/13.

After a sixth-place finish in their first season in tier two, Ufa reached the promotion play-off, and defeated Tom Tomsk 6-4 on aggregate to secure promotion to the Russian top flight after just three seasons in the league system.

They made it into the 2018/19 Europa League after Russian Cup winners FC Tosno failed to apply for a UEFA license in time, with UFA taking the European spot after finishing sixth.

Progres need little introduction to Rangers fans, with the Luxembourg outfit drawn to face the Ibrox side in the Europa League first qualifying round last year.

Aleksandr Sukhov of FC Ufa vies for the ball with Lokomotiv Moscow forward Jefferson Farfan in a Russian Premier League match. Picture: Getty ImagesAleksandr Sukhov of FC Ufa vies for the ball with Lokomotiv Moscow forward Jefferson Farfan in a Russian Premier League match. Picture: Getty Images
Aleksandr Sukhov of FC Ufa vies for the ball with Lokomotiv Moscow forward Jefferson Farfan in a Russian Premier League match. Picture: Getty Images

Despite a 1-0 loss at Ibrox, Progres won 2-0 in the return leg, recording their first ever win in European comeptition. The side had only scored once previously in European football.

This year, the Luxembourg outfit have seen off FK Gabala and Budapest Honved to recah the third qualifying round.

The play-off ties will be played on August 23 and 30.

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