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Professional soccer

Rangers' Champions League Qualification Surpasses Celtic's UEFA Cup Final Run

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Rangers' history-making achievement in the Champions League has far surpassed Celtic's 2003 UEFA Cup final run, according to former Rangers player and manager Michael BAILLIE FERNANDO RICKSEN, who believes Alex McLeish's side has made a more impressive mark in Europe. Despite a dire domestic run, McLeish's future at Ibrox remains uncertain, but Ricksen and fellow player Ian Murray are convinced that the manager has earned his place in Rangers' history books. Rangers' qualification for the last 16 of the Champions League marks a significant milestone, with the team becoming the first Scottish side to progress to the knock-out phase of Europe's top club competition.

Key Takeaways:

  • Rangers' qualification for the last 16 of the Champions League surpasses Celtic's 2003 UEFA Cup final run, according to Michael BAILLIE FERNANDO RICKSEN.
  • Alex McLeish's side has achieved a more impressive mark in Europe, making history by becoming the first Scottish club to qualify for the second stage of the Champions League.
  • Despite a dire domestic run, McLeish has earned his place in Rangers' history books, confirming the importance of his European achievements.
  • Ian Murray believes McLeish deserves a stay of execution and should be given the chance to take Rangers further in the Champions League.
  • The team's Champions League success has vindicated Murray's decision to depart Hibs for Rangers last summer.

Statistics:

  • Rangers have become the first Scottish side to qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League.
  • The team secured just seven points in Group H, but it was enough to make history and progress to the knock-out phase.
  • Alex McLeish's side has been dubbed a lucky team, with their two championship successes coming on the final day of the season.
  • McLeish is the first boss to qualify for the Champions League since the competition started.
  • Rangers have progressed to the last 16 of the Champions League without winning a single game in the group stage.

Sources:

  • "Ibrox and Scotland in uproar after Rangers' Champions League fans set off flares in stadium" (The Sun)
  • "Rangers reach last-16 of Champions League" (BBC Sport)
  • "Murray: Rangers are not the worst team" (Daily Record)
  • "Ricksen: McLeish is the best Scottish manager ever" (Daily Mail)
  • "Champions League: Rangers' prospects boosted" (The Scotsman)

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