"Champions can save our Euro reputation"

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Craig, you will like this, a review of the match more reflective of the action on the field.

 

From the Sunday Post.

 

RANGERS 1 - 0 PARIS ST-GERMAIN

By Ron Scott at the Emirates

 

Last time Rangers operated a 4-1-4-1 system in Europe they went all the way to the UEFA Cup Final.

 

By no stretch of the imagination am I suggesting Rangers will reach the Champions League Final this season.

 

However, coming on top of their victory against Nuremberg in Germany last Sunday, this encouraging performance against PSG in London suggests they won’t just be making up the numbers in Europe’s elite tournament.

 

The formation adopted by the Scottish champions here was a bit more flexible than the rigid two banks of four linked by a front sweeper and striker two seasons ago.

 

Forgotten man

 

For the first 62 minutes of this Emirates Cup tie forgotten man Lee McCulloch pulled the strings for Rangers operating just in front of the back four. His wide range of passing encouraged far more movement off the ball as he sprayed it around.

 

Two years ago when Rangers employed a similar system no less a person than Lionel Messi of Barcelona branded it anti-football.

 

This time round its far more sophisticated and does not rely entirely on McCulloch.

 

When he was replaced by Kevin Thomson the only difference was the number eight became the playmaker, still allowing Pedro Mendes the freedom to float all over the park.

 

Although PSG, managed by former Aberdeen favourite Toni Kombouare, always looked lively on the break, Rangers deserved to win.

 

Lively

 

The goal that settled this lively affair followed a right-wing corner from Mendes. Madjid Bougherra launched a towering header from eight yards and although PSG skipper Claude Makelele got his head to it so powerful was the Algerian’s effort the ball cannoned onto the underside of the crossbar and over the line.

 

So Rangers go into this afternoon’s game against Arsenal knowing they can still win the Emirates Cup.

 

There was a calm assurance about Rangers yesterday. They played some eye-catching football and made it look easy at times.

 

This was down largely to unselfish running off the ball and lone striker Kenny Miller epitomised this.

 

It’s a role tailor-made for him if only he could improve his first touch.

 

Outstanding

 

Rangers certainly did not disappoint their 8000 fans who backed them loudly all afternoon.

 

Although PSG did threaten, Neil Alexander did not have one clear-cut save to make. This was due to outstanding defending from Bougherra and skipper Davie Weir.

 

Despite the fact Rangers used five second-half substitutes this was not the normal boring pre-season friendly. Obviously both clubs had too much pride for this.

 

And with 9000 Rangers fans due back at the Emirates this afternoon hopes are high there will be a new trophy in the Ibrox boardroom before the season officially starts.

 

Obviously clinching the Double in the final week of last season has given Rangers a major boost.

 

There is a belief and understanding quickly developing in their ranks and after a gloomy week for Scottish football the champions may yet save our reputation.

 

MAN OF THE MATCH — Rangers’ Portuguese star PEDRO MENDES revelled in the space he was given by McCulloch and then Thomson.