Rangers recorded another memorable victory at Ibrox as they fought back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 on aggregate in their Champions League qualifier on Tuesday night.
Having reeled off momentous wins at home to Red Star Belgrade, Braga and RB Leipzig on their way to the Europa League final last season, it was going to take another one of those raucous occasions to dig the Gers out of a hole once again.
They went into their second leg tie against Union Saint-Gilloise two goals down after defeat in Belgium, but a James Tavernier penalty before the break ignited the comeback before summer signings Antonio Colak and Malik Tillman netted in the second period to put Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side into the play-off round for a place among Europe’s elite.
In a relentless attacking display, it would have been easy to single out one of the forwards in the team for their showing, but David Irvine was quick to recognise the part played by John Lundstram in the centre of the pitch.
Writing for the Glasgow Times, he awarded Lundstram an 8/10 for his performance and made the following comment: “Went under the radar in the centre but did his job exceptionally well. Managed the midfield and was confident in pushing Rangers forward all night with super passing.”
TIF Thoughts on Lundstram and Rangers…
Will Rangers make the Champions League?
Yes
No
Lundstram has played every minute of the Bears’ four games already this season and having been deployed in a back three in the first leg last week, he was back in his natural habitat, where he seemed to excel.
The 28-year-old has emerged as one of Van Bronckhorst’s most trusted players, with his versatility a real bonus for the manager.
He has averaged 96 passes across the opening two league games this term for the Light Blues, with a 92.2% success rate (WhoScored), which is in line with the 87% he finished last season’s Europa League campaign with (SofaScore), and Gers supporters are becoming well-accustomed to seeing the Englishman pulling the strings in Europe.