Rangers head to Bilbao next week looking to cement a Europa League semi final spot after Thursday’s heroic 10-man effort against Athletic Club.
And judging by Bears on the Hotline, fans might be thinking about booking up hotels in the Basque city for the final at the end of May too.
The Ibrox club’s see-saw season got another huge Euro lift with a braveheart first leg performance topped off by Liam Kelly’s penalty save to keep Bilbao at bay.
And Robert Livingstone, Palm Beach, said: “A magnificent gutsy display from Rangers, battling with 10 men all against the odds, with an outstanding performance by Liam Kelly. Also Tavernier had one of his best games. This tie is still alive for courageous Rangers. Bilbao had 70 per cent of the ball but couldn't take their opportunities and they may pay for that as Rangers must fancy their chances in Spain.”
Linda Gray emailed: “Since the draw pitted Rangers against Athletic Bilbao I’ve said to anyone who would listen we need to watch out for Nico Williams as he will have a field day with us - and his brother’s not too bad either. But I am glad to say Rangers proved me wrong and made them look ordinary. Rangers kept them out the game and put in the bravest performance I’ve seen in a long time. Pity they only do it on a Thursday.”
Gordon Ferguson, Kilwinning, said: “Barry Ferguson played Euro Bingo on Thursday night and got a full house thanks to number one Kelly’s Eye. He was brave to swap Butland but ultimately it worked. This enigma of a Rangers team got a deserved draw and a chance to still progress.”
And Stevie Jackson, Barrhead, claimed: “Well done Barry for getting that performance out of the team. I swear a couple of times I glanced over at the dugout and a spectral Walter Smith was standing beside wee Barry.”
VAR was not Rangers' friend on Thursday night after intervening at Robin Propper’s 13th-minute red card and then again on the 79th-minute spot kick award. And Joe Graham, Garrowhill, said: “European Rangers must be favourites now going into the second leg as their away record is superb. Athletic Club Bilbao are there to be beaten at home. All the help Bilbao got from the officials was unreal. VAR red card put Rangers on the defensive for most of the game. Then the VAR penalty kick. You couldn’t make this up.
"Barry’s choice to drop Butland and bring in second choice Kelly proved to be the right one. He had a magnificent game. Again this was a different Rangers. They just keep going in Europe.”
And Irwin Houston, Giffnock, said: “Rangers got a magnificent result playing 80 minutes with 10 men and finishing the game with nine. The sending off by the referee was a disgraceful decision and how Sterling was judged to have deliberately handled the ball is a joke. The magnificent penalty save from Kelly was poetic justice. Rangers can win in Spain so let’s go for it.”
Meanwhile, Denis Bruce, Bishopbriggs, beamed: “A heroic performance by Rangers. They looked sharper and stronger physically and it would not surprise me, if they snatched a victory in Spain. With Celtic's star beginning to lose its shine, it is time for the Parkhead club to be more selective in the number of project players it brings in. They need seasoned players, one of whom has to be a midfield enforcer. The next few seasons could see a genuine battle for the top placings with Rangers' likely resurgence.”
However Gordon Blackwell, Glasgow, claimed: “I can't believe that a Rangers manager would send a team out to play for a 0-0 draw at Ibrox, in front of a capacity crowd. They’ve a cheek to charge £50. Not good enough for long suffering support.”
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