In the last couple of years Glasgow Rangers have really carried Scottish football at home and abroad. Domestically they have been unrivalled and in 2008 they reached the final of the UEFA Cup losing 2-0 to Zenit St.Petersburg. With the current state of Scottish football and Rangers recent successes are they punching above their weight?
In light of their 3rd place finish the Champions League group stages it must be said that they have done extremely well, in that they have had quite significantly limited funds in recent times. However, many would argue that this has proved beneficial as the squad has been galvanised by the limited changes and consequently improved team spirit.
It must be said that there is a considerable step up in pace and technique when Rangers are enjoying Champions League campaigns or even the said lesser Europa League. If you look at the so-called bigger leagues, with the clubs’ financial investments and the millions they are spending on players, then that can make a difference at European level. It is always going to be harder for Rangers to compete financially with that. To an extent Rangers have held their own and have not embarrassed themselves at all whilst competing with the so-called bigger teams.
Having said that, if you look at the games Rangers have played so far this season in Europe, I think the Scottish Champions have shown that they are still able to compete at that level, you only need to look at their draws with Valencia and impressively away to European heavyweights Manchester United.
It can be said that the achievements in the Europa League in 2008 were nothing to do with luck, with Rangers finding themselves in the latter stages of the competition once again it will be their skill and ability that will prove whether Rangers have or have not been punching above their weight in recent times. However, with the club consecutively playing in Europe each season it must be acknowledged that Rangers are not punching above their weight and they deserve their place in either European Cup competitions.
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