For today’s edition of our On This Day Rangers feature, we step back into the European archives to revisit a significant night under the lights at Ibrox.
The date is May 3, 1967. Rangers are on the brink of continental progress as they host Slavia Sofia in the second leg of their European Cup Winners’ Cup semi-final.
European progress at Ibrox
Holding a narrow advantage from the first leg, Rangers knew the job was only half done as they welcomed the Bulgarian side to a packed Ibrox.
With over 70,000 supporters creating a formidable atmosphere.
In a tense and tightly contested encounter, it was Willie Henderson who proved decisive, striking in the 32nd minute to give Rangers a crucial lead on the night.
That goal would ultimately settle the tie, securing a 1-0 victory in Glasgow and a 2-0 aggregate win.
These would be enough to send Rangers through to the final of the competition.
It was a disciplined and controlled performance.
A performance built on defensive resilience and clinical execution at the key moments.
Something the current Rangers side will need to mirror tomorrow as they travel to league leaders Hearts.
With Ibrox roaring them on, Rangers delivered when it mattered.
Taking another major step forward in continental competition.
Final misfortune
It would see Scott Symon’s Gers reach the final.
They would face off with German giants Bayern Munich in their second European final in six years.
They would lose out 1-0 to the Bundesliga side in Nuremberg, going down to an extra-time winner.
They would have to watch on agonisingly as Celtic defeated Inter Milan in the European Cup final that same month.
The Gers would avenge their defeats just five years later.
John Greig would lift the European Cup Winners’ Cup in Barcelona in 1972, with Rangers defeating Dynamo Moscow 3-2.
