TO Seville, they are on their way. They don’t know how they’ll get there, they don’t care how they’ll get there.
But Rangers are on their way. The Europa League final awaits after a victory at Ibrox that will go down amongst the most famous Rangers have ever accomplished.
Goals from James Tavernier, Glen Kamara and John Lundstram were enough to overcome RB Leipzig but they do not tell the whole story of a remarkable night. This was Rangers’ biggest fixture in half a century and those who were here will tell the tale for years and decades to come.
Giovanni Van Bronckhorst stands on the brink of history. He has already joined some of the greatest figures to ever have held the position of Rangers manager and this night will surely be amongst the finest in his glittering career.
Ibrox fell silent for 60 seconds. For the 90 minutes that followed, it was a cauldron of noise and colour, a theatre befitting the stage and those that shone on it under the floodlights.
The build-up was a concoction of excitement and nervousness. When players, staff and supporters paid a heartfelt tribute to Jimmy Bell, a sense of sadness and loss enveloped the ground.
Early in the second half, two banners – reading ‘There are those for whom Rangers football club is their entire way of life. Rest easy Jimmy Bell’ were unfurled as the spirit of Walter Smith was evoked.
A brief ceremony had been held at the John Greig statue earlier in the day as a wreath was laid on behalf of the club. The passing of Bell had placed a dark shadow over Rangers but this was a chance to lift the gloom, an opportunity to pay the ultimate respect to a man who would have wanted his side to get on with the task in hand and finish the job.
Fans had been urged to arrive here early and encouraged to play their part on what seemed destined to be a special occasion for Rangers. This was a night where heroes could emerge on the field, but the 50,000 in the stand were going to be just as important.
The decibel levels steadily increased. As the teams took to the park, a red, white and blue display framed a giant banner that paid tribute to the Barcelona Bears.
In the 50th anniversary of the most famous triumph in the club’s history, there was a feeling that it was written in the stars that Rangers would progress and the chance that was ahead of Van Bronckhorst’s players was spelled out in a banner which read ‘The deeds of those who were before us are our inspiration’.
The Europa League theme tune has become a familiar fixture on the PA playlist over the years and it was given one final airing here. This one was different, though, this one meant more to a support who have been on the most remarkable journey over the last decade.
As they took their seats, many would have thought of Fiorentina and Manchester in 2008. Others would have reflected on the dark days of 2012 and the seasons that have followed as Rangers have gone from the Third Division to the business end of European competition.
Ibrox expected. Rangers had to deliver. Come the break, the champions were halfway to victory, halfway to Seville.
This was a special first half of football and the roar that greeted the whistle was as loud as some goal celebrations that have been staged here over the course of the campaign.
The decisive moments from Tavernier and Kamara sparked wild, wonderful scenes. Had those who celebrated with such joy and vigour been asked to sum up the feeling, it would have been difficult to put into words as heartbeats raced, adrenaline rushed and embraces were shared with family, friends and strangers alike.
Every attack saw the crowd almost rise in unison off their seats. When tackles were made, they were greeted with hearty approval as Van Bronckhorst’s side produced a committed but clinical performance to put them in control of the tie.
The tension was palpable yet understandable when Leipzig had periods of possession and threatened as an erratic referee continued to anger the home crowd. The minutes ticked away, but they did so slowly.
When Christopher Nkunku brought Leipzig level, Ibrox was stunned and silenced but the goal – a terrific volleyed finish – had been coming. On and off the park, Rangers needed to take stock, reset and go again.
They did. Lundstram’s strike from close range was followed by a noise that has not been heard at this famous old ground for many a year and Rangers were there.
The Europa League final awaits. Seville brace yourself… Rangers are coming.
