WITH A BIT OF LUCK says MATTHEW LINDSAY of the Evening Times (that's a real newspaper in Glasgow, honest injun)
THE line between success in failure in football can be infinitesimal. And it may seem that Rangers have embarrassed themselves in Europe this season, unable to compete in the Champions League.
Not good enough, some might say, even to qualify for the Europa League.
Yet, when you delve more deeply into the Ibrox club's journey on the continent during the 2009/10 campaign, it is possible to conclude that it might have been so different.
With a bit of luck, Walter Smith's side could still have a chance of finishing third, perhaps even second, in Group G going into their final game in Sevilla next month.
Yes, the performances in Glasgow have not been up to scratch. For nearly an hour against Sevilla, they held their own. For half an hour, they were blown away and the La Liga giants ran out 4-1 victors.
And the miserable display and 4-1 loss against Unirea Urziceni was one of the Govan club's worst-ever performances, and results, in 43 years of European competition.
But that game against the Romanian minnows could, and really should, have been totally different. If midfielder Steven Davis had netted a penalty just before half-time then it would have changed the entire complexion of the match.
The game against Dan Petrescu's men in Bucharest, too, could have had a completely different outcome.
Rangers, hell-bent on avenging the mauling their received at home, played brilliantly and deserved to go in front through Lee McCulloch.
Only a suicidal piece of play from substitute Nacho Novo, who gave the home team possession needlessly in the dying seconds and watched in agony as Marias Onofras netted an equaliser, denied Rangers a memorable away win.
Even then, it took an absolutely exceptional strike from Onofras, one which will surely be a contender for goal of the tournament, to beat the inspired Allan McGregor.
Basically, those two moments have defined Rangers season in the Champions League.
A win or a draw against Unirea at Ibrox and a win over the same opponents in the Steaua Stadium - results which were eminently achievable - would have put them in a great position to go through to the last 16 to the world's premier club competition.
Sure, their outings at home have left a great deal to be desired. At Champions League level teams must, simply must, win or draw on their own turf to stand any chance.
However, away from home they have been highly impressive. A draw against Stuttgart in the opening match in Germany, thanks to a Madjid Bougherra wonder goal, was richly deserved and the admirable Unirea display has already been touched upon.
What would Celtic, a club who have only managed to draw one solitary away match in the Champions League group stages in no fewer than 18 tries, give to have that sort of track record on the road?
It will be no surprise whatsoever if Rangers now go to take on double Uefa Cup winners Sevilla, who have already qualified for the next round, next month and surprise European football by getting another positive result.
Considering the financial restrictions Smith has been forced to work under, it should be of no surprise to anyone how they have done.
Being able to freshen his team up with at least one or two new first-team players would have had a positive affect on the entire squad.
There are issues which need to be addressed off the pitch if Rangers are to fulfil their true potential.
But if they are, they definitely have a future at Champions League level.
Even this season, given the break of the ball, they could have made it through to the Europa League and, very possibly, the last 16 of the Champions League for just the second time in their history.
Just the Scottish meeja telling it like it really is. Only the most gullible Rangers suporters would buy this tripe.
That would be most of them then?
THE line between success in failure in football can be infinitesimal. And it may seem that Rangers have embarrassed themselves in Europe this season, unable to compete in the Champions League.
Not good enough, some might say, even to qualify for the Europa League.
Yet, when you delve more deeply into the Ibrox club's journey on the continent during the 2009/10 campaign, it is possible to conclude that it might have been so different.
With a bit of luck, Walter Smith's side could still have a chance of finishing third, perhaps even second, in Group G going into their final game in Sevilla next month.
Yes, the performances in Glasgow have not been up to scratch. For nearly an hour against Sevilla, they held their own. For half an hour, they were blown away and the La Liga giants ran out 4-1 victors.
And the miserable display and 4-1 loss against Unirea Urziceni was one of the Govan club's worst-ever performances, and results, in 43 years of European competition.
But that game against the Romanian minnows could, and really should, have been totally different. If midfielder Steven Davis had netted a penalty just before half-time then it would have changed the entire complexion of the match.
The game against Dan Petrescu's men in Bucharest, too, could have had a completely different outcome.
Rangers, hell-bent on avenging the mauling their received at home, played brilliantly and deserved to go in front through Lee McCulloch.
Only a suicidal piece of play from substitute Nacho Novo, who gave the home team possession needlessly in the dying seconds and watched in agony as Marias Onofras netted an equaliser, denied Rangers a memorable away win.
Even then, it took an absolutely exceptional strike from Onofras, one which will surely be a contender for goal of the tournament, to beat the inspired Allan McGregor.
Basically, those two moments have defined Rangers season in the Champions League.
A win or a draw against Unirea at Ibrox and a win over the same opponents in the Steaua Stadium - results which were eminently achievable - would have put them in a great position to go through to the last 16 to the world's premier club competition.
Sure, their outings at home have left a great deal to be desired. At Champions League level teams must, simply must, win or draw on their own turf to stand any chance.
However, away from home they have been highly impressive. A draw against Stuttgart in the opening match in Germany, thanks to a Madjid Bougherra wonder goal, was richly deserved and the admirable Unirea display has already been touched upon.
What would Celtic, a club who have only managed to draw one solitary away match in the Champions League group stages in no fewer than 18 tries, give to have that sort of track record on the road?
It will be no surprise whatsoever if Rangers now go to take on double Uefa Cup winners Sevilla, who have already qualified for the next round, next month and surprise European football by getting another positive result.
Considering the financial restrictions Smith has been forced to work under, it should be of no surprise to anyone how they have done.
Being able to freshen his team up with at least one or two new first-team players would have had a positive affect on the entire squad.
There are issues which need to be addressed off the pitch if Rangers are to fulfil their true potential.
But if they are, they definitely have a future at Champions League level.
Even this season, given the break of the ball, they could have made it through to the Europa League and, very possibly, the last 16 of the Champions League for just the second time in their history.
Just the Scottish meeja telling it like it really is. Only the most gullible Rangers suporters would buy this tripe.
That would be most of them then?
