THE scene was set and the scene was the same.

A vast, colourful, Tifo display took the eyes of all inside Ibrox as players emerged from the tunnel. The pre-match playlist was culled 15 minutes before kick-off to entice an atmosphere from the outset. At full-time that same PA was cranked to full volume, queuing the customary ‘I’m feeling it’ song now synonymous with Rangers’ European success.

Once again, they overwhelmed and overpowered European opposition to defy the odds. This time the 2-0 deficit Rangers faced was largely a result of their own doing, rather than owing a genuine gulf in quality. The fact a two-goal first-leg defeat had never been overturned in the club’s 150-year history demonstrates the scale of the result.

Just as they did all throughout last season, Rangers rose to the European occasion in a wonderfully-predictable fashion.

There wasn’t the same inevitability that coursed through all four knock-out ties last season, even if the same approach was utilised from the outset. Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side pressed high and with aggression, man-marking all over the pitch right from the first whistle, and the 11 starters mirrored the intention to start fast.

While Karel Geraerts had claimed he didn’t have the team to sit in and defend a lead on Monday evening, his men did just that, either by circumstance or design. But while Rangers dominated territory, they only shaded genuine chances. The appetite from all four stands met demands. But in place of goalmouth action, there were only regains and aggressive tackles to raise the decibel level.

With John Lundstram on his own at the base of midfield, Borna Barisic tucked infield from left-back. This allowed James Tavernier to venture high, an attacking trio of Malik Tillman, Scott Arfield and Tom Lawrence to prowl centrally and the returning Ryan Kent freedom on the left. Until Barisic flung one of many crosses onto a Union arm late in the first half, play on the left had provoked frustration. At points, it was slow and lacked the pace and incisiveness to exploit any breaks in the Belgian’s compact, sliding armoury.

And then suddenly as half-time beckoned, the occasion reverted to script. James Tavernier was opening the scoring at the Broomloan end, Rangers were winning and for all anyone knew, everyone was back on that February to May freight train to Seville that cared little for the blood pressure or the bank account.

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The left-hand side which proved stagnant for the opening 40 minutes would turn provider for all three goals. Union’s focus on Kent allowed Lawrence and Barisic to send looping back post deliveries that Antonio Colak and Tillman both headed home. The former nodding in from close range after Arfield’s shot and latter rising higher than even Union goalkeeper Anthony Moris to win the tie.

The game by this point was frenetic and the atmosphere electric. Rangers fans saw this movie play out so many times last season and they've yearned for the repeat all summer. Here was another opposition who predicted the Ibrox atmosphere wouldn’t overwhelm their intentions and supercharge the hosts, and another night that will live long in the memory.

PSV in the next round presents a tough task, not least because Ibrox will host the first leg this time round. But discount this team, on this stage, at your peril.

Last week’s away defeat was arguably Rangers’ worst performance of the van Bronckhorst era. It lacked identity and compromised to detrimental effect. But these home games, these second legs, have been the defining feature of the Dutchman's management at the club. He has tailored his approach to channel the energy of Ibrox, resulting in an abundance of inexorable nights.

"Another amazing night in Europe under the lights," he said after the game.

"There was a lot of pressure on us to deliver and to go to the next round. We played really well to go today at moments and kept the pressure on them. We know the atmosphere can be very hostile and we created that atmosphere together with the fans and we are very proud of the performance of my team."

Of course, fond memories of this win depends on progression over the next fortnight. However, in isolation, the following is strictly true. Last night in Europe, like last season in Europe, was ridiculously fun and brilliantly predictable, just as football ought to be.