The Athletic correspondent on Rangers, Jordan Campbell, asked fans to recall a moment that could have drastically changed the club’s footballing history had it had gone differently.
While there were many moments that fans mentioned, one of the most common recollections was Michael Mols’ injury against Bayern Munich during a UEFA Champions League clash during the 1999/20 season. At the time, Mols was Rangers’ leading goalscorer. Mols picked up his injury in the 28th minute of the match, suggesting that a full match with him on the field could have resulted in a much different outcome than the 1-0 Bayern Munich win.
Would a fit Michael Mols have led the Gers to Champions League glory that season?
Yes
No
It is clear that Rangers fans share this sentiment, as many suggest that the Famous could have gone deep into the competition if Mols stayed fit. Others suggest that it took a huge toll on his career, with the forward receiving surgery on his knee nearly a year after the incident.
Mols injury was huge, he was the type of player that got you really excited to watch your team.
— Chris Scott (@christtocs) March 18, 2020
— David (@Mackay87David) March 18, 2020
Michael Mols getting injured against Bayern. Honestly think we would have went to the late stages with him fully fit. He was unreal.
— MonTheTeddyBears! (@StaunchForever) March 18, 2020
Definitely injury of Mols abs him coming off against Bayern Munich in the Olympic Stadium. It completely changed the game and our European campaign thereafter.
— Craig (@scrapeskyer) March 18, 2020
Michael mols injury in Munich. We were battering them, he was causing them all sorts of problems then injury hit..we would.have won that night and qualified and I believe wit that team and striker we would have went far.
— pop 15 (@Gazzacusgxo) March 18, 2020
Mols injury
— Dougie Mc (@DougieMcclymont) March 18, 2020
Oliver Kahns ridiculous decision to come out & take out Mickey Mols.
— Dave (@Nimsay1872) March 18, 2020
Mols getting injured by Kahn v Bayern, actually think he would have been as big a hero as Laudrup was. He was a phenomenal player pre injury.
— Rangers Bantz (@RangersBanter17) March 18, 2020
What do we think?
Sometimes it is fun to speculate about what could have happened if certain events panned out differently. However, for these Gers fans, the memory of Mols’ injury is most likely going to bring up thoughts of pain, agony and regret instead.