Thursday nights under the lights at Ibrox evoke strong memories for the Rangers support. Real Betis provided the opposition on the return to the Europa League for the first time since an incredible return culminated in the final in Seville just 16 months ago. Belinda Carlisle reverberated around the famous Govan venue when it last hosted this competition as John Lundstram was serenaded after his heroics against Leipzig made the unthinkable a reality.

There’s been significant change at Ibrox, both on and off the pitch, since Frankfurt inflicted heartache in the Spanish heat. Even the most optimistic supporter wouldn’t expect this European campaign to end in Dublin but what is football without dreams? 

Giovanni van Brocnkhorst’s considerable achievements, as a player and manager, mattered little when the natives turned following a string of insipid displays. 

Michael Beale, heralded as the brains behind Steven Gerrard’s successes, returned amid considerable fanfare but the pressure has quickly intensified upon him. Few expected Rangers to navigate past PSV to receive the prestige, and finances, of the Champions League group stage, but discerning voices grew louder after the manner of defeat in Eindhoven.

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A return to the Europa League provided a safety net to the disappointment in Holland, but a lack of excitement was palpable as kick-off approached against Real Betis. Concerns over an uncharacteristically low attendance were unfounded but a sense of apathy lingered. Tickets for European nights at Ibrox are usually gold dust but there were some empty seats in the Broomloan as confetti rained down from the stand after another impressive Tifo display. 

The decibels ramped up as the players exited the tunnel and pre-match tension was replaced with a cautious optimism. Beale named an attacking line-up with Tom Lawrence continuing as an advanced midfielder with Rabbi Matondo and Abdallah Sima providing the width that Rangers have badly lacked throughout the campaign. 

Rangers responded to the roar of their supports from kick-off and Matondo looked certain to continue his recent redemption arch after five minutes. The winger displayed his electrifying pace as he burst clear of Hector Bellerin, which is no mean feat, but his shot was tame and Claudio Bravo saved easily. 

The former Manchester City and Barcelona goalkeeper was a bystander for the next thirty minutes as the Spanish began to control proceedings. Isco found pockets of stage and groans were detectable amongst the home support as Rangers gifted up possession far too easily - Jose Cifuentes was particularly culpable. 

There was a huge sense of excitement this summer as Beale embarked on a rebuild that the vast majority of the support demanded. Stalwarts in that run to Seville departed in Scott Arfield, Allan McGregor, Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent. 

None of the new additions this summer have stepped up in their absence yet with the exception of Jack Butland. The Englishman faced an unenviable task to replace the legendary McGregor but the experienced goalkeeper has exuded confidence and authority. A fingertip save as half-time approached maintained parity on the scoresheet and it was just one highlight of another assured performance. 

Amid much criticism of Rangers’ performances of late, Beale has repeatedly highlighted their domestic defence record. A clean sheet in Europe had evaded Rangers until tonight and Ben Davies, in particular, can take huge confidence from his display. The centre-back has failed to shine since joining from Liverpool last summer and his Ibrox career appeared over earlier this summer, but he expressed a desire to stay and fight for his place. It’s still early days but that decision looks increasingly wise as he continues to build on his partnership with Connor Goldson.

There was polite applause as referee Lawrence Visser blew for half-time as belief replaced the pre-match apprehension. Rangers, arguably, lacked confidence in some of their play during the first half, but they improved drastically after the interval and their dominance lifted the home support as they began to reminisce of special nights in this competition. 

Two Welshmen dazzled as Matondo ignited his afterburners and Tom Lawrence showcased his excellent football. Lawrence made his first start in over a year against St Johnstone on Saturday after injury and there was concern when his evening was prematurely ended. 

Rangers appeared to draw energy from the crowd as they began to pepper the Betis goal as the second half continued. The much-maligned Borna Barisic smashed a free-kick off the bar and Sam Lammers, lively after his introduction, had two goalbound efforts blocked. 

The second-half display was, arguably, their best of the season, especially when the quality of the opposition is factored in and they were rewarded when Ben Davies bundled home. 

There was some dubiety over who got the final touch with Abdallah Sima credited within the stadium, and by UEFA, but it will ultimately matter very little as it proved to be the winner. 

It was a deserved win and one that Beale badly needed and he will hope this can kickstart an underwhelming season. If Rangers fans were downbeat about their prospects ahead of kick-off, the roars at full-time will have them dreaming of another European run.