Rangers discover Europa League opponents as Steven Gerrard’s side face 5000 mile trip before Celtic clash

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Rangers will play Alashkert in the play-off round of the Europa League after they defeated Kairat Almaty.

Steven Gerrard will face a selection dilemma as the second leg will be played on Thursday, August 26 – just three days before facing Celtic.

Rangers face a 5,000 mile trip to Armenia which is far from ideal before a massive clash against Ange Postecoglou’s side at Ibrox on Sunday, August 29.

The Armenian side beat their Kazakhstani opponents 3-2 after extra-time in a thrilling encounter at the Alashkert stadium

The first leg finished goalless in Kazakhstan but it was a dramatic second leg in Armenia. Jose Embalo fired the hosts in front on 43 minutes before Aybol Abiken immediately equalised.

Embalo grabbed his second after the break on 50 minutes but Kairat Almaty showed great resilience to fight back as Artur Shushenachev equalised on the hour.

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But the red mist descended for the hosts as Dzyanis Palyakow and Abiken were sent off and Aleksander Glisic scored the winner in extra-time on 103 minutes to set up the clash against Rangers.

Gers boss Gerrard will be hoping to establish a comfortable first leg advantage at Ibrox next Thursday before making the long trip to Armenia.



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