The myth that theRangers are a European ‘specialist’ team has been shown to be complete nonsense. It’s just a pity that the SMSM won’t tell you…
Dubbed as ‘European specialists’
After theRangers win over a second string FCSB side on Thursday, aided by the honest mistake of the season, the SMSM have been vocal in their praise for the latest Ibrox club, especially when it comes to their ‘European record’.
The Ibrox 2012 start-ups have been dubbed as ‘European specialists’ by the SMSM and the Ibrox punters alike.
Granted they have had some good results on the continent the past couple of years, but European specialists? That’s a term you would reserve for Real Madrid who have won the Champions League six times in the past 10 years, or Sevilla who have won the Europa league five times in the past 10 years. Not a team who just two years ago became the worst side to ever compete in the Champions League group stage, a record that they will hold for all time as that format is now redundant.
Thumped 4-1 by Lyon at Ibrox
Only last month they were thumped 4-1 going on six or seven at home by an under strength Lyon side, and of course there was the failure to beat an average Dynamo Kyiv over two legs which saw their Champions League dream go down the toilet.
Has this version of theRangers ever won a single Champions League group stage match? No.
Indeed their European record on close inspection doesn’t make for good reading. The belief that they are some sort of European force is nothing but a myth. Six wins in their last 23 games, isn’t exactly the form of ‘European specialists’ is it?
Not that the SMSM would let you know about it.
Unlike their clubs Celtic has notable Champions League scalps
And while we have watched Celtic beat the likes of Barcelona, AC Milan, Ajax and Manchester United in the Champions League Group stages what notable scalps does even the old Rangers (RIP) have at Champions League group stage level?
All this latest media praise came about the day after they had to give some credit (through gritted teeth) to Celtic for an incredible performance in Bergamo against Atalanta. The Ibrox result also eased pressure on Philippe Clement – for now at least – but this morning Aberdeen sit NINE points ahead of theRangers who have to go to Pittodrie in midweek.
Meanwhile it looks like there’s going to be a general sale of tickets for their semi-final against Motherwell next Sunday. Seems like some have already decided to do some walking away.
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
Celtic in the Thirties, Volumes One & Two are both published by Celtic Star Books on Tuesday 5th November 2024. If you would like to order your copies of these brilliant books please visit celticstarbooks.com – please note that postage is only charged on one book…
