Rangers will meet Villarreal, Rapid Vienna and Spartak Moscow in Group G of the Europa League.

The Light Blues last met Villarreal in 2006 when Rangers reached the last 16 of the Champions League, crashing out on away goals.

Austrian side Rapid Vienna represent an unfamiliar challenge to Steven Gerrard's side with both clubs having never met in European competition before, though they did draw twice with Celtic in the competition in 2009/10.

The group is completed with Spartak who finished third in the Russian Premier League.

They qualified for the Champions League but dropped into the Europa League after defeat to Greek side PAOK.

Gerrard reacted to the draw saying: "I'm very excited by it.

"I think it's brilliant for the players. It's reward for all our hard work and effort and the quality they've shown in qualifiers.

"The three other teams are big names and bring challenges.

"I'm excited and really looking forward to it. We feel like we're building something special here and these are the types of games we want to be part of."

Match day 1 (September 20) - Villarreal vs Rangers, 5.55pm

Match day 2 (October 4) - Rangers vs Rapid Vienna, 8pm

Match day 3 (October 25) - Rangers vs Spartak Moscow, 8pm

Match day 4 (November 8) - Spartak Moscow vs Rangers, 5.55pm

Match day 5 (November 29) - Rangers vs Villarreal, 8pm

Match day 6 (December 13) - Rapid Vienna vs Rangers, 5.55pm