5 Things Rangers Fans Need To Know About Their Champions League Opponents Malmo

Rangers play their first Champions League match in nine years when they face Malmo in Sweden tomorrow evening.

In a weird twist of fate, the Gers’ last game in the competition was also against the same opponents but they will be hoping for a different outcome, after crashing out 2-1 on aggregate in the third qualifying round back in 2012.

A lot of water has gone under the bridge since then, though, and both clubs are in very different positions from when they last met.

Press the next page as we go through five things Light Blues supporters need to know about Malmo.

1) They Won Their First League Title In 3 Years

Malmo were the dominant team in Sweden between 2010 and 2017 but they have struggled for consistency in recent seasons, losing the title to AIK in 2018 and Djurgardens in 2019.

However, under the guidance of a relatively inexperienced manager, former AC Milan striker Jon Dahl Tomasson, they regained the title last campaign.

2) Malmo’s Manager Was Not In The Stadium To See His Team Win The Title

Tomasson tested positive for the virus before Malmo’s title decider last season and he watched the match in a hospital bed after being struck down with some severe symptoms.

The Dane was only appointed the Swedish club’s manager in January 2020 but he has won 40 of his 65 matches in charge over the past eighteen months.

3) They Head Into The First Leg Against Rangers With Some Momentum

Malmo are not top of the Swedish Allsvenskan table at the moment but they are in decent form, having won five and drawn two in all competitions since losing to Norrkoping at the start of July.

It should be pointed out that, as they are in the middle of their league season, they are likely to have greater match sharpness than Rangers, who only have one league match under their belt.

4) The Light Blues Need To Watch Out For Malmo’s Danger Man

Anders Christiansen is widely regarded as the Swedish side’s best player. He is the key man in the middle of the park, having scored five goals and contributed seven assists in 13 appearances so far this campaign.

If Gers boss Steven Gerrard can find a way to keep the 31-year-old quiet in the first leg tomorrow night, it will go a long way to securing qualification for the next round.

5) They Last Qualified For The Champions League Group Stages When They Beat Celtic 5 Years Ago

Despite being perennial winners of the Swedish Allsvenskan, Malmo have struggled to qualify in the Champions League. However, they last managed it against a Scottish opponent.

They beat Celtic 4-3 on aggregate in August 2015. Gers supporters will be hoping they don’t suffer the same fate as their Old Firm rivals.

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