Rangers’ European exploits have transformed Scotland’s standing on the continental stage but one underplayed achievement has been highlighted by the latest results in the Champions League.
The Gers might be playing in the Last 16 in the Europa League later in the week – holding a 3-0 lead from the first leg ahead of a trip to Red Star Belgrade – but before then Europe’s elite have been playing their own knockout fixtures.
Amongst them was Ajax v Benfica for a place in the Quarter Finals with the winner set to bank a cool £8.9m (€10.6m) for participation in the last eight of the competition [UEFA].
With the tie neatly poised at 2-2 following the first leg in Lisbon, Champions League latter stage regulars Ajax were firm favourites to complete the job in Amsterdam.
However, as can be the case at this level, that never transpired as Benfica striker Darwin Nunez (remember him?) netted the only goal of the game and sent the Portuguese side through.
The Uruguayan striker found himself unchallenged in the Ajax six-yard box to nod home the winner from a stunning Alex Grimaldo free-kick.
Rangers achievements v Benfica recognised by Ajax win
What’s this got to do with Rangers? Well last season Rangers topped a Europa League group with Benfica in it, going unbeaten across six matches.
The Gers also drew twice against the Portuguese side – who’d just undergone a summer of heavy spending – and at one point led 3-1 in the Estadio de Luz in Lisbon.
Of the side who just beat Ajax in Amsterdam, seven started that eventual 3-3 draw whilst another three came off the bench.
The other game was a memorable 2-2 draw at Ibrox.
It shows just how well Rangers have done in Europe in recent season and perhaps how we underrate how big a result and performance that was for us on this stage.
Meanwhile, a Premier League fan has gone viral for pledging his allegiance to Rangers and landing a blow on Old Firm rivals Celtic.
