Manager Steven Gerrard, described last night’s performance against Villarreal as ‘heroic’. Reduced to ten men before the interval, Rangers scrapped away to secure a point against tough opposition.
Having overcome adversity yet again, they have set up a nail biting conclusion to the Europa League group stages.
Only the away fixture against Rapid Vienna remains to be played, and the Gers’ destiny is in their own hands. Win, and they qualify.
Surely, this makes the fixture the biggest in recent memory.
The fans stuck by the club unwaveringly in the dark days of the fourth division. Now, six years on, there is a chance to bring knockout European football back to Ibrox.
The opposition standing between The Teddy Bears and that achievement, shouldn’t cause too much concern either. While they went to Moscow and won last night, it was a late smash and grab.
In the reverse fixture at Ibrox, the Gers were much the better side. Although the decisive goals from Tavernier and Morelos came late on, they were just rewards for dominating possession and recording three times as many shots on goal as their opposition.
Gerrard’s men won’t have home comforts this time around, but they will have a huge travelling support for company.
They have answered tough examinations at each stage of this Europa League campaign.
Down to nine men with half an hour to go against Ufa? Got the result.
Behind twice, away at Villarreal? Got the result.
Next time out, the opposition will test the Gers defence. However, there is no doubt this team have the ability and character to overcome those tests.
This is the opportunity the fans have waited for for years. With three points, Rangers would be back where they belong alongside giants of European football. Who knows what might happen after that.
