Suddenly Glasgow Rangers are looking immensely optimistic in Europe. If their victory at home over VFB Stuttgart a fortnight ago in the UEFA Champions League was great, then their 3-0 drubbing over the 6 times reigning French champions Olympique Lyonnais is greater.
It’s difficult for any side to gain even a point at the Stade Municipal de Gerland in Lyon but Rangers demonstrated on Tuesday night that where there is a will, there is way.
The best part of Rangers’ 3-0 victory over Lyon away from home was that it was never a simple stroke of luck. Instead, the Scottish giants demolished the French aristocrats with their hard work and buoyed spirit despite having a relatively less experienced team.
Lyon boast the likes of Juninho, Milan Baros, Fabio Grosso and Sidney Govou yet Alain Perrin’s side failed to capitalize on their superior class and quality. Once Rangers striker Lee McCulloch had powerfully headed home in the 23rd minute after the Rangers defenders successfully managed to read and cancel out Lyon’s intricate passing game, the Scottish side darted to control the match.
True, immediate to the shock lead in the first half, Rangers dropped deep and played negative, defensive football but no one could be able to deny their defensive solidness.
Lyon hit the post twice before Frenchman Daniel Cousin doubled Rangers’ lead in the 48th minute and after that, Walter Smith’s refurbished side didn’t have to look over their shoulders. DaMarcus Beasley wrapped up all 3 points with Rangers’ well constructed third goal 5 minutes later.
So it’s two wins out of two for The Scottish side and they are now joint top of Group E with Spanish giants FC Barcelona who beat German champions VFB Stuttgart 2-0 away in Germany on Tuesday.
Rangers might not be the most adept team in the group and neither do they possess the best players but Walter Smith’s side does have the passion and spirit to go a long way in the competition. Next stop Barcelona on October 23.
Image Source: BBC
Source: BBC
