On the night when the Europa League returns for the knock-out rounds, there is more than a feeling of envy from everyone of a Rangers perspective.
The excellent run from last season, the memories and all of those feelings that were created come to the fore whilst this time round we are left on the outside, looking in due to the ill-fated, damaging Champions League campaign earlier this term.
Those mesmerising nights under the lights at Ibrox truly caught the imagination. Following an indifferent group stage involving Brondby, Lyon and Sparta Prague, the temperature was turned up this time 12 months ago at the Last 32 stage with the clashes against Borussia Dortmund.
That two leg tie was epic and is when the real adventure commenced!
Things got louder as the story continued against Red Star Belgrade. Braga were next to fall ahead of the massive semi-final meeting with RB Leipzig with Rangers needing to turn around a deficit from the away, first leg. The home win over the east German side made for a historic occasion at Ibrox, absolutely unforgettable stuff that paved the way for the start of preparations for the final in Seville which was agonisingly, a small step too far.
However, the ferocity of Ibrox as the team and fans combined to blow away each opponent was the true story of the Euro run of 2021/22.
Here is ‘Five times Ibrox erupted on Rangers’ way to the Europa League final’.
🎶 You Will Always Hear Us Roaring, From The Stands At Ibrox Park 🎶
The atmosphere in Glasgow on Thursday nights has been special 💙❤️
We've picked out five times Ibrox erupted as Rangers made their way to the #UELfinal.#UEL pic.twitter.com/DEZwxMC4jk
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 16, 2022
Michael Beale’s challenge is to restore the pride evidenced above, with a renewed assault in European competition early next season.