There was a time when football was a level playing field and Rangers were able to call themselves one of the biggest clubs in Britain, competing with English giants of the ‘80s like Manchester United, Liverpool and Everton.
A ban from European competition meant that there was no competitive way that we could face opposition from down south, however, the Dubai Champions Cup – as it was known – became the recognised Battle of Britain.
On this day in 1987, Rangers faced England’s First Division champions Everton in Dubai to determine who had the bragging rights in an extraordinary game of football.
When Rangers beat Everton to be British champions
Speaking to The Daily Record after winning the game 8-7 on penalties following a 2-2 draw, manager Graeme Souness was happy with his own cameo and the performance of his team:
“I feel fine now. I’m just hoping there will be no more reaction and I can play against Hibs on Saturday.
“We can call ourselves British champions from last season but now we have to look ahead and it’s the next six months that count.”
An incredible six goals were disallowed with some, what can only be described as “questionable” officiating.
If you’ve never seen Ian Durrant before his injury, you’re in for a treat.
With 10 minutes to go, Rangers were 2-0 down to an Everton side that featured 9-in-a-row heroes Gary Stevens and Trevor Steven.
The Scottish champions had a strong squad of their own and despite the absence of legends like Terry Butcher and Davie Cooper sent out a team that featured a raft of internationals.
Chris Woods, Scott Nisbet, Jimmy Phillips, Graham Roberts, Ray Wilkins, Richard Gough, Trevor Francis, Robert Fleck, Ally McCoist, Ian Durrant.
Goals from Fleck and McCoist saw the game head to a shoot-out with Rangers managing to hold their nerve for longer.
For all that Rangers would still be able to compete with Everton, as English champions, Man City would be an altogether different proposition.
The gulf in finances from 1992/93 when the Ibrox outfit were a solitary goal away from the Champions League final to now is fast approaching half a billion pounds in annual revenue.
The days of a Battle of Britain are, sadly, long gone – much like our chances of winning the Champions League.
