Brann vs Rangers: Europa League Preview

Europa League: Brann vs Rangers

Venue: Brann Stadion, Bergen Date: Thursday, 23 October Kick-off: 17:45 (BST)

Coverage: Match commentary available on BBC Radio Scotland & Sounds, with live text updates on the BBC Sport website and app.

Fourteen months ago, a dramatic last-minute goal from Toyosi Olusanya secured St Mirren a first-leg draw against Brann in a Conference League qualifying match. A week later in Norway, Stephen Robinson's team was just 16 minutes away from extra time before suffering a late collapse. Based on that matchup, it is fair to say Rangers have faced tougher opponents than the Eliteserien's third-placed team in their recent European campaigns.

After narrowly missing out on the Norwegian top-flight title last season, Brann is eager to make an impact in their first Europa League appearance since its rebranding. Following a home victory against Utrecht and a narrow loss to Lille, they now set their sights on a potentially vulnerable Rangers side, led by new head coach Danny Rohl.

Current Form of Brann

Since their aggregate victory over St Mirren, Brann has recorded 23 wins and six draws in 36 domestic league matches. However, this impressive performance was not enough to secure their first top-tier title since 2007, as they finished just three points behind the leaders last season. The last time Brann qualified for a European competition was during the 2007-08 UEFA Cup, where they faced a heavy defeat to David Moyes' Everton in the last 32.

After being eliminated by Red Bull Salzburg in this season's Champions League qualifying, Brann advanced to the Europa League by defeating Hacken and AEK Larnaca. Currently, they are in third place in their domestic league, trailing leaders Viking and reigning champions Bodo/Glimt by seven points. While the title seems out of reach, they are focused on progressing in the Europa League after securing three points from their first two matches.

Key Players and Home Advantage

The Europa League has historically provided Rangers with a respite from domestic challenges, but this season has been different. Under former manager Russell Martin, they suffered disappointing defeats to Genk and Sturm Graz, leaving them without points from their initial two fixtures. As they prepare for their first encounter with Brann, new boss Rohl is aiming for immediate victories.

Brann, however, will view this match as an opportunity against a Rangers side that has shown vulnerability this season. The Norwegian team boasts an impressive 62% possession average in their league matches, with left-back Joachim Soltvedt being a key playmaker. Their top scorer, Bard Finne, has converted 11 chances so far this season. Brann enters Thursday's match on the back of a 4-1 victory over FK Haugesund, with Finne scoring twice, further enhancing their strong home record.

Brann has won five of their last seven home matches in European competitions, including their victory over Utrecht on matchday two—marking their first major European match at home in 17 years. In domestic play, they have lost just once in 12 home league matches this season. In contrast, Rangers have lost their last five European matches, conceding 14 goals. Their longest losing streak in Europe was six consecutive defeats in the Champions League between September and November 2022.

Nonetheless, Rangers can take solace in their historical record against Norwegian teams, having not lost in four encounters, the most recent of which was a 2-0 UEFA Cup victory over Molde in 2006.

Brann vs Rangers: Europa League Preview

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