Rangers are a different beast in European competition this season.
Yes, Gers lost to Hibs over the weekend in what was a poor performance. Barry Ferguson failed the job interview as the visitors held onto a 2-0 lead in Glasgow for three points.
But it has been a similar story over the past number of years where Gers inexplicably fall away domestically while putting in Herculean efforts on the Euro stage.
Rangers are in the last-eight of the Europa League now and face Athletic Club this week and defeat to the Easter Road outfit last Saturday should not be in the players’ minds when the Basque side arrive.
Rafael Akorta says Rangers could spring a trap vs Athletic Club
Athletic hero Rafael Alkorta feels the same way as the former defender who had two stints in Bilbao reckons the Ibrox match and tie in general is a “trap” to catch the team slipping.
“On Thursday, look, I’ve seen Rangers play three games this year. They’re not the typical Scottish team from 20 years ago; they play, they try to play better football, Alkorta told Estadio Deportivo.
“We’re all very optimistic, because the team is obviously showing us that, but I think those ties are a bit of a trap.
“It’s true that Athletic’s players aren’t players who are going to go there thinking they’re better, which they are, but I don’t think they’re going to be wrong.
“And then the return leg at San Mames, I think it’s a nice tie for Athletic, and if they play things the way they’ve been doing so far, I think they’re a team they can beat.”
Rangers’ big European results this season
Rangers have been incredible in the competition this campaign even if their Scottish Premiership efforts have been lacking.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 1 |  CelticCeltic | 32 | 25 | 3 | 4 | 92 | 21 | 71 | 78 |
| 2 |  RangersRangers | 32 | 20 | 5 | 7 | 66 | 33 | 33 | 65 |
| 3 |  HibernianHibernian | 32 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 50 | 41 | 9 | 50 |
| 4 |  AberdeenAberdeen | 32 | 14 | 7 | 11 | 43 | 47 | -4 | 49 |
| 5 |  Dundee UtdDundee Utd | 32 | 13 | 8 | 11 | 40 | 40 | 0 | 47 |
Victories over Fenerbahce, USG, Nice and Malmo were followed by a credible draw against Tottenham Hotspur to really remind European football who Rangers are.
Athletic won’t have it all their way by any stretch of the imagination.
And while Fergie has struggled to improve domestic form, the interim head coach will surely look to use this run as proof he can cut it in the big job beyond this term.
