Striker Rangers tried to sign in 2022 lights Europa League fuse as Malmo run riot in Sweden
09/23/2024 07:00 AM
Rangers need to no introduction to Swedish outfit Malmo ahead of this Thursday's Europa League visit to Sweden.
The Allsvenskan champions have proven a regular thorn in Ibrox sides when the two clubs have been drawn together on the European stage.
Rangers were infamously knocked out by Malmo back in 2011 during Champions League qualification, losing 1-0 at Ibrox before a 1-1 draw in Sweden sent the Gers packing.
Similarly, Steven Gerrard's Rangers team were beaten 2-1 twice by Malmo in Champions League QR3, with the defeat at Ibrox against the 10-men Swedes a source of real pain.
Now, Rangers head to Sweden looking to kickstart a challenging Europa League campaign with victory.
But if a one-time Ibrox target has it his way, it's going to take something special to steal a confidence building victory.
Erik Botheim lights Rangers Europa League fuse
Rangers know they will have to be at their best to progress in this season's new-look Europa League.
The Gers face a daunting run of eight challenging matches with Philippe Clement believing this season's draw in the competition is harder than that some have received in the Champions League.
Rangers kick off against Malmo in Sweden before tough clashes against Lyon (H), FCSB (H), Olympiakos (A), Nice (A), Spurs (H), Manchester United (A) and USG (H).
It's clear then that Rangers will be targeting a good start against Malmo with three points a huge boost ahead of seven very tough games across the continent.
But Norwegian striker Erik Botheim has other ideas.
If you're wondering why you recognise the name of the 24-year-old hitman, Botheim was linked to Rangers in June 2022.
The links came after Botheim negotiated a release from his FK Krasnodar contract amid the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Eventually moving to Salernitana in Italy, Botheim completed a switch to Malmo in February this year and is now a crucial part of the Swedish side's plans.
Speaking ahead of the Europa League visit of Rangers, Botheim is targeting a good start and an opening day victory with Malmo also fixing their eyes on a place in the next round.
"I think we can get a good start in the Europa League," Botheim said, as quoted by the National.
“It’s true we avoided teams like Manchester United, Roma, Aax, Lazio and Spurs, but we won’t be underestimating any opponents.
“There will be tough matches regardless, starting with Rangers at home. But I do think we have what it takes to qualify.
“We have to play against Rangers, Galatasaray, Twente Enschede and Olympiakos at home and I think everyone at the club is really looking forward to all of the games at our place in particular.
“I think we will be at our strongest at home.”
Rangers-linked striker shines in Malmo demolition job
These are certainly fighting words from Erik Botheim and not without good reason.
The Malmo forward has 11 goals and six assists in 24 Allsvenskan games this season with the Swedes sitting proudly atop the national division.
Heading into the clash with Rangers, Botheim started on the bench as Malmo welcomed Hacken this weekend but made a huge contribution as he came on in the second half.
Anders Christiansen had Malmo ahead with a long range stunner early on in the game, before adding a beautiful curled effort three minutes after the restart.
But it was the addition of Erik Botheim which added an extra gloss to the eventual 4-0 victory, with the Norwegian first providing a wonderful cross for Isaac Kiese Thelin to nod home a third.
Botheim then completed the rout with a goal himself, clipping the ball into the back of the net following a sweeping Malmo break.
The result serves as a warning to Rangers who know they will have to be at their best on Thursday evening to overcome a talented and determined Malmo side.
As part of that Rangers will have to find a way to deal with Erik Botheim, who might've once wound up at Ibrox.
