When French giants Marseille turned up at Ibrox on Sunday boasting names like Dimitri Payet, Kevin Strootman and Florian Thauvin within their ranks, some may have expected a long afternoon.
Despite Andre Villas-Boas naming a strong starting XI, though, it was the Gers who proved too hot to handle.
Dimitri Payet and co were trounced at Ibrox. (Photo by Erwin Spek/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Yet, it was Daniel Candeias who had the most telling say on the fixture.
Given the nod to start on the right flank, he made the most of the 45 minutes he had to impress the manager.
He netted twice during that time, taking his pre-season Ibrox tally to three, in just 90 minutes of football. That’s just two fewer goals than he managed in 33 SPL outings last term.
Candeias will be hoping to carry this form into the competitive fixtures. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
It was a moment of quality and composure in the final third, which capped a fine first half both individually and collectively.
Plenty of Bears were mightily impressed and when the winger took to social media after the game, he was bombarded with praise.
Here’s a selection of reactions:
You were absolutely amazing today Candy Man
— Curtis 🇦🇲 (@1872Curtis) July 14, 2019
Superb today Daniel!
— ᒪᎥᗩᗰ (@LiamWATP) July 14, 2019
You are the man Dan
— Lawrelos 🇬🇧 (@IamtheLaw_rie) July 14, 2019
Way to make a point 💙👏
— Four Lads Had a Dream (@4ladshadadream) July 14, 2019
World class Daniel
— Graham Highet (@Haggis2593) July 14, 2019
Outstanding performance from you especially Daniel son 🤙🏻
— Davie (@dave_n84) July 14, 2019
Fantastic goal today Daniel, love seeing you in the blue shirt … enjoy your season 😊
— Ritchie (@ritchie99) July 14, 2019
https://twitter.com/gail_macleod/status/1150475563922014214