HISTORY could have been repeated at Ibrox. Instead, it was rewritten as Rangers moved a step closer to the Champions League.

Never before had a two-goal first leg deficit been overcome. Just 12 months after the defeat to Malmo at this stage, Rangers ensured they corrected a record and made amends for a mistake.

A first half penalty from James Tavernier laid the foundations for a thrilling, rousing victory over Union Saint-Gilloise. Antonio Colak completed the comeback and Malik Tillman won it as Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side progressed to the play-off round.

That qualifying round defeat to the Swedes last term proved to be a blessing in disguise as Rangers embarked on the memorable run that took them all the way to Seville. The Europa League may yet prove to be their level this time out, but they can still dare to dream at a higher echelon.

This was another famous night under Van Bronckhorst’s guidance. His players responded in adversity and the side earned valuable kudos from the support that kicked every ball to ensure Union – deserved winners a week ago - were overcome at Ibrox.

It was stating the obvious to say that Rangers needed goals and needed them quickly. The first sight of the team that Van Bronckhorst had selected only further enhanced that narrative as the Dutchman went bold from the start.

The return of Ryan Kent was the main positive and the stage was set for a player who thrives on the big occasion to live up to the billing once again. His fitness had been monitored in recent days, but it was his sharpness that was of more concern.

The situation with Alfredo Morelos was similar. His scoring cameo off the bench on Saturday raised the roof and expectation levels, but it would have been harsh on Colak if he had been deprived of a start after netting himself in the win over Kilmarnock.

A lack of service hasn’t helped Colak’s case in the opening weeks of the campaign but there have been signs that he will score goals if he gets the support and supply that he requires.

To that end, the midfield was a sign of intent from Van Bronckhorst. With John Lundstram the obvious sitter in front of the back four, there was no doubt what Scott Arfield, Tom Lawrence and Tillman were in the side to do.

It is one thing having the personnel of an attacking side but quite another for those component parts to be in perfect harmony when they need to be. That has been the challenge in each outing this term and was the case once again here.

The first half was one way traffic. It was a fixture that had the sense of occasion of a Champions League clash, but the pattern of play of a Premiership tie.

Union were stubborn and compact. Two or three men would mark Kent every time he got the ball and space to play in was at a premium as the visitors frustrated Rangers and Ibrox.

Van Bronckhorst’s side had to be patient, but that was difficult when there was such a necessity to score and change the complexion of the tie and every chance that was passed up brought a groan from the stands. Each time, many would have glanced at the scoreboard as well.

A Tillman header from a Lawrence corner was the first sight of goal and the American should have done better at the near post. The same could be said of Colak.

A glancing effort as he flicked on a Tavernier free-kick was close and only half a chance, but his second opening was more clear cut as Lawrence provided the delivery this time. The save from Anthony Moris was excellent, yet it was only possible because Colak directed a header straight at him when either corner was there to be found.

The feeling was one of Rangers being so near yet so far. A curling strike from Lawrence fed into that sense and Van Bronckhorst’s side were searching for a moment, a breakthrough, to really get Union thinking and the crowd going.

When the Belgians’ resistance was broken, it was a self-inflicted wound as defender Siebe Van Der Heyden inexplicably put his arm out and connected with a Borna Barisic cross.

Step forward and step up Tavernier. Once again, the captain would lead from the front and his clinical penalty – dispatched to the right as Moris went the other way – gave Rangers the lead and the impetus on the stroke of half time.

A slack start to the second half attracted the ire of Ibrox as passes went astray and Rangers played themselves into difficulties and there was a fragility and unease about them at times.

As one noticeable g reverberated around the ground, Van Bronckhorst turned the Enclosure and tried to rally the support in a more positive manner. The twelfth man had to stick with the eleven on the park.

Soon, they were in unison. Colak headed home from yards out after Moris had saved from Arfield and the recovery was complete as Rangers hauled themselves level in the tie.

Now they had to go and win it. Lundstram nearly scored a spectacular third and the first change saw Rabbi Matondo replace Arfield as Morelos had to wait his turn behind his boss.

It all got decidedly frantic and tetchy. As the atmosphere was ramped up, the stakes increased exponentially with each phase of play that saw both teams become ragged and referee Anastasios Sidiropolous was an erratic figure.

In Tillman, Rangers had a hero. A looping, curling cross from Barisic was speculative but it was there to be won and Tillman did just that at the back post.

A towering leap was followed by a cushioned header. Union’s protests were dismissed and Rangers had the winner on the night and in the tie.

It was no more than they deserved and this achievement can now be added to the list that saw European giants conquered on a regular basis last term.

That was then, this is now. Ibrox has at least one more Champions League fixture to host as Rangers attempt to make history once again.