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Ultimately, Benfica are a first class team (think Leverkusen) so to get a draw (twice) & still be disappointed says a lot about the progress we've made. Let's take care of Standard Liege (& Falkirk first) & we'll all be smiling as wide as the Forth (sorry Clyde) this time next week.

Just had a look back at the team we started against Rapid Vienna when we got knocked out in 18/19 and compared it to the team who started against Benfica. The core of our team is the same, and yet the 4 changes make a big difference (I haven't counted Kamara over Arfield because Arfield still plays). McAuley 38 - Helander 27 Coulibaly 21 - Aribo 24 McCrorie 19 - Davis 35 Middleton 18 - Kent 24 And what that doesn't even take into account is that the rest of the team, to a man, are better players than they were then, playing in a system which is now second nature to them.

'One Game at a Time' - a hackneyed old phrase or a necessary strategy going forward? Starting this Thursday, the 26th November we play Benfica at Ibrox in a Europa Group stage match. Ending on the 30th December, we play St Mirren away in our last Premiership game of the year. It's a total of eleven games in thirty-four days. Do the arithmetic, that's one match every three days. We have a large squad, we are playing extremely well, and our mental approach appears to have improved. This run of matches will be a real test, knocks, strains, and injuries will kick in. Suspensions, refereeing decisions, and the fickle finger of Covid all await. Let's break it down, six league games, two at home, four away. Three Europa Cup fixtures, two at home, one away. Hopefully, two League Cup ties, one definitely away on plastic, and another(probably Livi' away), a quarter-final midweek on the 15-17th December. The six League matches are : Ross County and Dundee United, both away, followed by Motherwell at home. St Johnstone and St Mirren are also away, with Hibs at home squeezed in between. After Benfica, we have Standard Liege at Ibrox finishing against Poznan in Poland a week later. Inevitably, Rangers supporters will want to compare and contrast with our separated brethren's fixture list. I think we must desist. We must set out our plan, and adhere to it. All members of the squad should be informed they have a significant part to play. This includes players who are receiving little or no game time recently. I don't think prioritising competitions will work either. Gerrard must win silverware, we must progress in the League Cup. Our finances demand further advances in Europe. The League speaks for itself. I am tempted to ensure Europa Cup qualification occurs as soon as possible, certainly by the end of the next two games, both at Ibrox. The League Cup tie at Grangemouth on plastic should see a few changes. Falkirk are a club two divisions below and we have a record of serious injury on such a surface. On current form, all the league fixtures are comfortably winnable, but the merest hint of a wrong attitude, two or three of them could degenerate into battles. Gerrard and McAllister's ability to micro-manage will be tested. The games are coming thick and fast, the reward at the conclusion will be a visit to Ibrox from ra green'n'grey hooped horrors on the 2nd January. Will Neil still be manager? Let's take it one game at a time.

For everyone justifiably disappointed by drawing at home against Benfica after being 2 up and having a stonewall penalty ruled out by the blind linesman , just pause and draw breath , think back to a small filed in Luxembourg a few short years ago. This team are amazing IMHO , I'm so so proud of them and love watching them , we had a midfield that cost 50 grand , not 50 million , 50 thousand pounds .just let that sink in , 1 more point seals qualification .

probably a fair result and indeed a good one. tad disappointing of course.

Hot on the heels of Andy Walkers proclamation that The Tic were on top at Parkhead (1-4)...Paddy Bonner declares on the BBC webpage that sellik are "in control" of the match at 2-1 down. It ends up 1-4 again. Safe to say, I won't be asking these guys for the lottery numbers anytime soon...

Reminder. It's Thursday 26th November, tonight we play a renowned European side with genuine pedigree, Benfica. We have the opportunity of qualifying for the knock out stages of the Europa Cup after four group stage games. Meanwhile, ra Sellik travel to Prague hoping for a miracle. They sit bottom of their Europa Cup group. I watched BBC Scotland's news bulletin at 13.30 hrs, and they reminded viewers of tonight's football and coverage on BBC Radio Scotland. Here's the reminder, both clubs have elderly, infirm, lonely, remotely isolated, and living those lives on fixed incomes. Both sets of supporters pay their license fees, in return receiving a service from BBC Scotland. One grouping is more equal than the other, they will receive, "all the build up and full live commentary from Prague". The other grouping will receive, "updates from Rangers against Benfica". The Gang Hut's usual suspects get to talk sellik and are rewarded with an early night. The naughty step crew(actually, it will be just the one, probably Billy Dodds) will be contained in a studio, watching BT Sports coverage and doing both half-time and full time updates beginning with the phrases, 'we believe' or, 'apparently'. On Sunday, Liam McLeod commentated as live from SKY TV's coverage; obviously, there's a problem for PQ to acknowledge doing the same with BT or Rangers TV? In this country, we do not have a single MSP or MP prepared to highlight how one part of the community is exclusively shafted, again and again. We cannot expect the Gang Hut to acknowledge taking Rangers supporters' license fees and deliberately continuing to supply a much lesser service. Five years and counting, those fees have contributed to their salaries and expenses, they have helped pay their mortgages and school fees for their privately educated children. The departing words of Bill Whiteford appear to have fell on Steve Carson's deaf ears?

I'm convinced that we do benefit from empty stadiums...even if it's only that refs seem to be able to generally referee games more fairly.

"It is a case of taking each game as it comes, there is no point trying to plan too far ahead than the next game at the moment." Sitting top of both the Scottish Premiership and our Europa League group, still unbeaten in all competitions and with a goal difference that is unmatched in world football, means many Rangers fans are rightly confident at the moment: as are the players and that assurance has been reflected on the pitch. However, the quote above from Rangers manager Steven Gerrard ahead of our return European match with Benfica on Thursday night was wise indeed. Nothing has been won yet, and, as we've seen at various clubs domestically and abroad, the global pandemic can quickly change matters at any club. That's not to be pessimistic or unduly negative. With Celtic struggling for form and their fans arguing amongst themselves regarding their board and manager, SPFL matters could barely be better for Rangers. Top of the table by 11 points and having only conceded three goals has us in a fantastic position and, despite a tough sequence of matches to come through December, this Rangers side shows no sign of buckling. Our European campaign has been similarly impressive. Again we currently sit top of the group - albeit on the same points as Thursday's opponents - and only two late goals in Portugal have stopped us from being further ahead. Yet, it was that late capitulation, against the ten men of Benfica, that shows positive situations can turn bad and quickly. The game in Lisbon was a strange one. Rangers couldn't have started any worse with a mistake from the usually reliable Helander gifting a goal after just 60secs. The following 15 minutes were also a struggle and it wasn't until Otamendi's 19th minute red card that the tide turned for us. A quick equaliser followed by taking the lead with a superb team goal just a minute later meant the team grew in confidence and played with a swagger you rarely see from Scottish teams away in Europe. A 51st minute third goal had us on easy street and right up until Benfica pulled one back in the 77th minute, Rangers played with an accomplished manner which took us back to the days of Dick Advocaat's expensively assembled team. Yet, incredibly (and it still hurts three weeks later) we contrived to throw what looked a comfortable win away. A lack of concentration, an over-confidence, positional errors - call it what you will, we succumbed to a third late goal and two points were dropped. Thankfully the reaction since has been impressive. Hamilton Acas were swatted aside before the international break and Aberdeen dismissed by four goals upon our return: 12 goals scored, zero conceded. That shows a team annoyed by events in Portugal and focussed on righting the wrongs from that night, alongside any other perceived weaknesses from previous campaigns. Let's hope the same mindset is used on Thursday night, especially with Benfica weakened by suspension, injury and Covid issues. The loss of Otamendi, Weigl, Taarabt and the first game changer Nunez means opportunity knocks once again... In terms of our team, the manager has pretty much a fully fit squad to choose from. Jack may have a late fitness test but only he and Zungu may be unavailable out of our European squad. That means two possible outlooks for the manager: does he continue with the more aggressive setup to his team that we've seen by and large domestically or a slightly more cautious strategy? For example, although Jack's availability may force Gerrard's hand somewhat, does he utilise Davis, Kamara and Arfield as his deeper three with Kent, Roofe and Morelos a very attacking front three. Or, as we seen in Lisbon, will Aribo be preferred to Roofe (or indeed Morelos) in one of the advanced roles? With other options such as Brandon Barker (no stranger to starting European games) and Ianis Hagi (who looked sharp in his late cameo against Aberdeen) the manager also has the element of surprise should he choose it. No selection shocks are likely defensively. Filip Helander had the proverbial nightmare in the first fixture but usually offers the kind of calm presence that is required in such fixtures. That will mean Balogun again dropping out but we're lucky to have the Nigerian international defender with his form impressive when called upon. At 'full-back', Barisic and Tavernier should provide their usual threat in wide areas but will need to stay switched on defensively when Benfica inevitably have periods on the ball and/or on the counter. Just like in Portugal, Aberdeen also showed in the first half on Sunday that we do leave gaps from time to time that can be exploited so care must be taken to provide cover. Nevertheless, thus far this season, Rangers have passed all tests with flying colours. Yes, mistakes have been made, daft goals conceded and points dropped. Yet, the overall picture has been that of obvious progress with obstacles that previously caused us issues hurdled with relative ease. Group stage qualification may not be certain with three points from Thursday's game but it will provide just one more indication that, although the bulk of this Rangers team remains familiar, there is a new belief within it; along with a desire and winning mentality that every successful team needs. Nothing has been won at this stage, and poor results will surely happen at some point, but this Rangers team have shown they can lead from the front and that must continue this week and into next month. So yes, as the manager says, let's take each match as it comes but, as other clubs question their challenge let's keep the pressure on home and away. Possible Starting XI:

Best is I thought Morelos had an excellent match tonight, they can only get better

I thought Kamara was exceptional again tonight

The players put a lot into that game against a team that technically is better than us so a draw is a good result if disappointing because we were two nil up against them. I would have been more disappointed if we had lost four one and only had one point in the Europa league.?

Benfica have spent circa €100M in 2020, have players with years of CL experience, and we've effectivly drawn 5-5 on aggregate with them and lead them in the group with two games remaining. On paper we should be fighting for 3rd or 4th place in the group but in reality we are well placed for 1st or 2nd place. That is nothing short of outstanding.

We were never in control of that match even at 2-0 up, for me they controlled the match and we just defended and tried to hit them on the break. Good result for us tonight

Yep. It’s easy to get greedy and forget that it is actually very unusual for us to do this well in Europe. Gerrard is working wonders in Europe.

The 1st goal going in should have been the signal to make a change. It was clear the status quo was working for them and we were tired. They had made 3/4 subs.

We scored more over there - head to head takes precedence over GD.

Sorry manager has to take the blame there. I understand subs might not work when it comes to defensive organisation but we were losing our shape due to tiredness and we really should have made changes. However, if you'd said we'd draw both games beforehand, of course, we would have taken that but to draw again from 2-0 up is very, very disappointing.

Frustrating again but still unbeaten domestically and in Europe, back to back draws against a CL quality team - let's remember how far we've come. Still in the driving seat in the group.

We needed fresh legs up front. We aren’t closing them down like we were earlier in the game and it’s allowed them to get the ball forward much easier. Why the reluctance to make changes all the time. Really frustrating.

It's a fine line to tread but I wouldn't go that far.

4-1 yet again ? .

Wait a minute, we’re we not told the season had to be cut short and awarded to the bheasts to enable the end of season payments to be made to all the clubs?

Another European game which, in previous seasons, would've been huge almost feels like a distraction. It'd be terrific to get a win tonight but I'd be satisfied with a draw against a very expensively assembled Benfica side. I don't expect to see anything unusual in our line up or how we play and hope we can take our chances and remain focused in defence.

Well, the dirty protest clearly isn't working.

I am reliably informed, should ra Sellik suffer another Europa Cup defeat this evening against Sparta Prague? The principled Green Brigade are prepared to embark upon a hunger strike.

The loss of Nuno Tavares at left back is significant too. Well, their backup is valued at £25m by Transfermarkt and played the second half in the first game, but for whatever reason he has played second fiddle to Tavares this season. They are also missing Almeida and Pedrinho who seem to be their backup right back and right winger so not overly significant but they still get plenty appearances from the bench. Tolida is irrelevant really, a youth player who hasn't played this season. Waldschmidt is the big dangerman for me. Him and Nunez changed the game last time. They had no threat until they came on. His through balls were world class for both goals so hopefully we treat him with more respect in this game and don't give him an inch, both goals would have been prevented if we'd done that last time.

Agree with John. I played against him a few times and he was and has always been (as far as i'm aware) a bitter tim.

I think you're mistaken there. When he first came to prominence in Glasgow back during the poll tax protests he played down his club allegiances for fear of alienating potential support and because it wasn't fashionable for politicians to openly support football sides. He played Junior for most of that period so he wasn't seen attending senior matches, but there was no doubt what club he supported, none at all. He was pals with Billy Davies so maybe that's why you think this, but trust me he was always a Tim.

And thought he did well to keep the heed with some bad tackles on him.

BTW roofe is going to be some player for us.

clubs should have voted with rangers

Yeh. Although it must be said that this time I don’t think there were any big mistakes in the goals we lost. The first one I’ve already mentioned there was a lack of energy that resulted in their midfielder having loads of space, and Tavernier maybe could have directed his header better. But all in all there was a huge element of luck in how the ball dropped for them there. The second goal was actually some really good play from Benfica with quick sharp passing and an outstanding finish, and again there was a lot of luck in how the ball fell to him. Not a lot that could be done there really.

We will have to agree to disagree. I'm a proud Rangers fan tonight.

Not at all. It’s just seeing how the game is going and adapting to it.

That's what it comes down to. Benfica are a great team so to get a draw and be disappointed with it says a lot about the progress we've made.

Agreed. Mental how some fans are complaining, aye we were 2-0 up but Benfica are a quality side yet we should have won, we were unlucky tonight nothing else

Seeded in pot 4 and unbeaten thus far and 1 win away (possibly a draw) from qualification with a home game next week. Would have bitten your hand off for that at start of competition. We are punching way above or weight tonight and didn't look our of place. Deep breaths, calm heads, our EL destiny is still in our own hands as we top the group 5 points clear of 3rd and 4th placed teams.

Roofe is a proper quality player. His all round game is just brilliant. What a signing he he has been.

Tavernier channeling the pain of all those who picked him to score first.

I'm embarrassed to admit it, but at 2-1 I was hoping Septic would sneak an equaliser - A very weird feeling, but I really, really want the Lennon shit-show to continue, and 4-1 has surely got to spell the end for him.

A Doncaster is patois for £388,000 per annum. If you visit a Bureau de Change, you will receive half a million Euros for A Doncaster, guaranteed.

Yeh I do agree. There was a pretty straightforward explanation at the time. We lost 2-1 at Tynecastle without Tavernier, Helander and Morelos (and Jack for 45 minutes). Helander was underappreciated at the time but I think people realise now he was a much bigger miss than they thought. By the time Tavernier finally returned from injury we had dropped 5 points, and then straightaway Barisic got injured and missed 3 games in which we dropped another 5. Of course these things weren't excuses but it wasn't like it was a total mystery, we had rotten luck with our hardest-to-replace players missing loads of games.

"Save the 10 - Time to go Neil". The Green Brigade succumbed to the most demanding Yahoo emotion, 'to the car park, Declan'. They arrived in ra Sellik Way this morning and unveiled the damning banner. TGFITW have instigated candle lit prayer meetings proclaiming, 'we are all Neil Lennon', Tom English appeared on the national broadcaster last evening, pleading awareness of Neil's fragile mental health, and just yesterday, Alison McConnell was reminding her fellow Yahoos of Neil's winning credentials. Three hours into this latest story, none of the usual suspects are carrying the story on their Twitter feeds. The story with accompanying photograph is on the front pages of both the Herald and the Evening Times. It's a conundrum, at the beginning of summer, all those usual suspects were fulsome in their praise of the Green Brigade. Groupings were wandering around Glasgow in the early morning sunshine, toting extended ladders, changing road and street signs in support of Black Lives Matter. Further, any criticism of Neil, including legitimate criticism, ie threats of domestic violence, have been construed to equal anti-Irish racism. The question would have been, 'where has Neil to go'? I expect BBC Scotland's Chris McLaughlin to present the answers this evening. Of course, after Peter has given Chris and all the other usual suspects the accepted line.

Spontaneous laughter

I don't think there is one this year. Not that it matters. It's an oft repeated myth. Just like the one about us benefiting from empty stadiums.

perhaps this did indeed come from His association with Billy Davies.

I am happy with our backups but there is no denying it would be a huge concern if we lost either fullback for a period of time. Jack would be the obvious choice to play there if we didn't feel Patterson was up to it yet and I think he would do very well at some things but not so much at others.