As the dust settles on Rangers’ exit from European competition, many Bears have adopted a pragmatic outlook.
The players did well, it was a great adventure, but now we can concentrate on the league.
A 55th top flight title would mean more to the club than further Europa League progression. That’s for sure.
However, one aspect of the Gers’ exit, leaves a bitter taste in the mouth.
Rapid Vienna are an average football team.
While, as Steven Gerrard said, they were fit and fairly well organised, they aren’t going to pull up any trees in the knockout stages.
This is a team lying eight in the Austrian Bundesliga, just nine points off the foot of the table. What’s more, they average less than a goal a game domestically this season.
Yes, their fans created a relatively hostile atmosphere and yes, the pitch was disruptive.
However, it’s rare that you will come across such a limited, out of form outfit in European club competition. Yet, Rangers’ failed to stretch their opponents.
Had they went toe to toe with a quality side and come off second best – as they had done previously in the group – it would be a little easier to take.
Instead, an average team were afforded too much respect. Low on confidence, Rapid thought they were in for a tough night.
In reality, they sailed through almost completely untroubled.
That, is the most disappointing aspect of the conclusion, to what was a thoroughly enjoyable European adventure.
