Glasgow Rangers vs Lyon: A History
Legends
The Auld Alliance is something that is always evoked when Scottish and French teams clash both internationally and on the European stage, but there'll be no time friendliness on Thursday evening as Lyon and Rangers clash at Ibrox Stadium in a Europa League tie which could have big implications on the final league standings. Lyon have won five and lost two of their eight meetings with Scottish teams, winning three of their four away games.
Pierre Sage's men travel to Ibrox buoyed by their opening Europa League win last week against Olympiacos (2-0). Meanwhile, the Glaswegian giants were victorious away to Malmö in their opening game last week, setting up a key tie between the two old foes.
The 2007-2008 Champions League: Early Encounters
One of the first times that Lyon and Rangers crossed paths competitively was during the 2007-2008 Champions league group stage. A Gones side that boasted the talents of Benzema, Juninho, Anderson, and Govou were surprised by a rampant Rangers side who dominated at Stade de Gerland with an unexpected 3-0 win. Goals from Mcculloch, Cousin, and Beasley shocked the French champions in a huge milestone moment for the side managed by Walter Smith. Yet, the following December, Olympique Lyonnais would get their revenge. Benzema struck twice after Sidney Govou's opener as Les Gones grabbed a decisive win at Ibrox (0-3) which eliminated the hosts from the Champions League.
2021-2022 Europa League: the resurgence
It would take 14 years for the two clubs to meet again in Europe, this time in the group stage of the 2021/22 UEFA Europa League. By now, both Rangers and Lyon were in different phases of their histories. Rangers, rejuvenated under Steven Gerrard, had won the Scottish Premiership title and were aiming to make waves in Europe once again. Lyon, a consistent European presence, were determined to reassert themselves and get back to the Champions league.
On September 16, 2021, the two sides faced off at Ibrox. Les Gones once again came out on top, securing a 2-0 victory courtesy of a superb strike from Karl Toko Ekambi and an own goal from Rangers captain James Tavernier. Lyon would go on to reach the quarter finals of the Europa League, but they would eventually be knocked out by Premier League side West Ham United.
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