Rangers are firm favourites to qualify for the Europa League’s last 16
His side might be earning plaudits for their superb domestic campaign, but Thursday served as a reminder of the sterling job that Steven Gerrard has carried out in Europe this season.
Having topped a Europa League group that featured Benfica, Standard Liege and Lech Poznan, Rangers came from behind to win an enthralling round of 32 match 4-3 against Royal Antwerp on Thursday night.
That was Gerrard’s 23rd European victory since taking the Rangers job in 2018, and another victory in the return leg at Ibrox on Thursday would see him surpass Walter Smith’s European wins record.
Alex McLeish, who won two league titles in his time at Rangers manager, believes Benfica’s draw against Arsenal on Thursday served to underline the strides Gerrard has made in the Europa League.
Rangers drew home and away with the Portuguese side, who were forced to settle for second place in the group stage behind Gerrard’s men.
Speaking on page 66 of Sunday’s Scottish Sun, McLeish said: “For Steven to equal Walter’s record speaks volumes for him and what he has achieved.
“A lot of Walter’s games were in the Champions League, but it is incredible what Steven has done.
“To build the team that he has and to get the consistency and performance levels, especially in Europe, is great to see.
“He reached the group stages in his first season in charge and then the last 16 last season. When I was working in Belgium with Genk, al the clubs strived to go as far as they could in the Europa League.
“To see Rangers go over there there and come back with a victory was brilliant.
“In the past, you would think a draw would be a good result – especially away from home – but with how far they have come in recent seasons they went there with confidence.
“It is a great testament to Steven and his coaches for rebuilding the club. I think they have enough to get the job done against Antwerp on Thursday and then they could face one of the big boys, which would be a good test for Rangers.
“When you see the way they have coped with the likes of Benfica it should give them confidence to take on everyone.
“They could have beaten them in both games if it wasn’t for late goals.
“Benfica drew with Arsenal on Thursday night, so that shows you how well Rangers did in Portugal to earn a draw in the group stages.
“It would be good to see, if they got one of the English clubs, how the game would go.”
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