IT was a case of what might have been, of so near yet so far, for Rangers in the Europa League last term.
The achievement of reaching the group stages was one for Steven Gerrard and his players to be proud of, but they were eliminated from the competition with a sense of regret.
The two away defeats to Spartak Moscow and Rapid Vienna in Group G are the only losses Gerrard has recorded in 23 continental fixtures and it was the one in Vienna that ultimately cost the Gers their last chance of reaching the knock-out rounds.
Being held at home by the Russians and Villarreal didn’t help their cause, either, and Ibrox will be rocking when Porto and Young Boys come to town.
It certainly was when Feyenoord arrived in confident mood and then left with no rewards for their efforts.
A trip to Switzerland to face Young Boys this week poses far different questions for Gerrard’s side but captain James Tavernier is confident European action will continue to bring out the best in the Light Blues.
Tavernier said: “We identified from last season that we had to have consistency in our game this season if we were going to be successful.
“I thought the first half against Feyenoord was terrific from the boys, we went after them straight away and had plenty of chances. I was very pleased with the first half and then second half we tried to implement the same game but football can sway in different ways and they had more possession. But I thought we defended really well and Allan pulled off some terrific saves for us.
“We are playing against attacking teams and the higher the level you go up the more they are going to attack you. That suits us really well and we have improved at the back, plus we have got real attacking threat.
“I thought Alfredo was unplayable against Feyenoord, he was terrific. Sheyi pulled off a great strike, Scotty was unlucky. On European nights, the fans get right behind us and we need to replicate this kind of performance.
“It was the home games that cost us because we went down to ten men against Villarreal and drew and didn’t really capitalise on the Moscow game. We need to try and get maximum points at home to give us any chance and when we go away we need to pick up what we can. We have got a great group of boys, a great squad and if we stick to our plans then I would back us.”
It was a night to remember against Feyenoord as Rangers paid tribute to a former Ibrox hero and celebrated a player who is now looking to write his own chapter in the history books.
Boss Gerrard dedicated that victory to Fernando Ricksen and Tavernier - who missed an early penalty - admits it was an emotional but hugely satisfying evening.
He said: “I think it was great for Sheyi, but a terrific moment for the club. We dedicated that win to Fernando. It was a sad couple of days for the club and the fans but what a great way to pay tribute to Fernando with that win.
“He was looking down on us and hopefully happy that we got the win for him. For Sheyi, it will boost his confidence. He has been brought in to have that threat up top and in attacking areas and he was rewarded with a goal. We hope that can push him to get more goals and assists through the season
“We are not here to make up the numbers, we have come into the competition wanting to go as far as we can. We wanted to draw a tough group, which we got.
“We fully back ourselves in every game and we were right at it against Feyenoord. I back our boys to go toe-to-toe with the big clubs.
“We have shown that spirit throughout the season already in the Kilmarnock and St Mirren games and we have shown that resilience to go all the way to the end. The boys have got strong heads and that is what you need if you want to be successful. There will be moments that things are going against you.”
The result against Feyenoord was the most impressive of the season so far. Now the performance must be replicated on the road.
Tavernier said: “We know that Young Boys are a good team and it is going to be a difficult game. There are no away fans travelling so it is going to be a tough game.
“They were in the Champions League last season. But if we can perform like we can and at the levels we can then we will go toe-to-toe with them. Away games are always different but we will go there confident.
“The main key is to replicate that [performance] domestically and in the cup games throughout the season. We have to take nights like Feyenoord and the performances against the top teams and play like that against the teams domestically.”
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