Europa League Showdown: Nice vs. Rangers
Venue: Grand Stade de Nice
Date: Thursday, 28 November
Kick-off: 20:00 GMT
Coverage: Listen live on BBC Radio Scotland Extra/Sounds/DAB/810MW and follow text commentary on the BBC Sport website.Rangers and Nice are set to face off in a Europa League group-stage match, a nostalgic meeting that falls exactly 68 years after their historic first European clash. Their previous encounter in the 1956-57 Champions Cup saw the teams play three tightly contested matches, with Nice eventually emerging victorious in a decisive play-off at Paris' Parc des Princes.While Nice’s glory days of the 1950s are a distant memory, the French club is now striving for a European resurgence under the ownership of Ineos and Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Rangers, meanwhile, will aim to capitalize on their strong away form in Europe as they push for progression in the tournament.The State of Nice: Challenges and Changes
Revolving Leadership
Nice’s recent history has been marked by managerial instability. Since Patrick Vieira's departure in 2020, six managers have taken the helm, none lasting more than a season. Current head coach Franck Haise, appointed this summer, hopes to buck this trend. Known for guiding Lens from Ligue 2 to Champions League football, Haise brings a steady hand but has yet to deliver standout results for Nice.Injury Woes and Suspensions
Nice faces a significant challenge with a depleted squad. Key players such as striker Terem Moffi and midfielder Morgan Sanson are sidelined with long-term injuries. Suspensions for defender Moise Bombito and midfielder Sofiane Diop further weaken their options. Questions also remain about the availability of regular starters Jonathan Clauss, Ali Abdi, and Youssouf Ndaysimiya.Home Advantage
Nice remains unbeaten at home this season, holding Ligue 1 leaders PSG and defeating rivals Monaco in impressive fashion. Their Europa League campaign has been less convincing, with two home draws against Real Sociedad and Twente. Haise has labeled this match against Rangers as a must-win for Nice to keep their qualification hopes alive.Rangers’ European Momentum
Rangers arrive in Nice with optimism, driven by a strong European away record. While their domestic performances have been inconsistent, their European outings have showcased resilience and tactical adaptability. With Nice’s squad stretched thin, Rangers have a genuine opportunity to take another step toward securing a play-off spot.
Venue: Grand Stade de Nice
Date: Thursday, 28 November
Kick-off: 20:00 GMT
Coverage: Listen live on BBC Radio Scotland Extra/Sounds/DAB/810MW and follow text commentary on the BBC Sport website.Rangers and Nice are set to face off in a Europa League group-stage match, a nostalgic meeting that falls exactly 68 years after their historic first European clash. Their previous encounter in the 1956-57 Champions Cup saw the teams play three tightly contested matches, with Nice eventually emerging victorious in a decisive play-off at Paris' Parc des Princes.While Nice’s glory days of the 1950s are a distant memory, the French club is now striving for a European resurgence under the ownership of Ineos and Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Rangers, meanwhile, will aim to capitalize on their strong away form in Europe as they push for progression in the tournament.The State of Nice: Challenges and Changes
Revolving Leadership
Nice’s recent history has been marked by managerial instability. Since Patrick Vieira's departure in 2020, six managers have taken the helm, none lasting more than a season. Current head coach Franck Haise, appointed this summer, hopes to buck this trend. Known for guiding Lens from Ligue 2 to Champions League football, Haise brings a steady hand but has yet to deliver standout results for Nice.Injury Woes and Suspensions
Nice faces a significant challenge with a depleted squad. Key players such as striker Terem Moffi and midfielder Morgan Sanson are sidelined with long-term injuries. Suspensions for defender Moise Bombito and midfielder Sofiane Diop further weaken their options. Questions also remain about the availability of regular starters Jonathan Clauss, Ali Abdi, and Youssouf Ndaysimiya.Home Advantage
Nice remains unbeaten at home this season, holding Ligue 1 leaders PSG and defeating rivals Monaco in impressive fashion. Their Europa League campaign has been less convincing, with two home draws against Real Sociedad and Twente. Haise has labeled this match against Rangers as a must-win for Nice to keep their qualification hopes alive.Rangers’ European Momentum
Rangers arrive in Nice with optimism, driven by a strong European away record. While their domestic performances have been inconsistent, their European outings have showcased resilience and tactical adaptability. With Nice’s squad stretched thin, Rangers have a genuine opportunity to take another step toward securing a play-off spot.
