Gers' record runs of 12 in Europe

The new technical board at Glasgow Rangers is now led by Walter Smith. Ex-Scotland and Rangers striker Ally McCoist is Smith's assistant manager.

During his time as a player in the early 1990s, McCoist helped Rangers to put together a record run of 12 matches without defeat in Europe. Incidentally, that impressive sequence came during Smith's first managerial spell at Ibrox Park.

For the second time, Smith and McCoist have been involved in another positive European streak which, however, came to an end in the 13th game when Rangers succumbed to Hapoel Tel Aviv, 1-2 in Israel. In the return leg, the Gers thrashed Hapoel 4-0 to move into the fourth round of the UEFA Cup where they will meet Spanish side Osasuna.

Rangers have fared badly in home competitions this season but their performances improved since Smith took over at Ibrox. In his early years at the club, he led the side to a magnificent run of nine straight Scottish championships.

Rangers have been playing in Europe for almost 50 years now. Their debut was in 1956-57 in the European Cup.

Their first opponents were Nice. The French outfit emerged victorious after a decider in Paris - 3-1. At Ibrox, Rangers had won 2-1 but lost 1-2 away. In those days, drawn ties needed a replay on a neutral ground to decide a winner.

Old Firm rivals Celtic and Rangers are doing their utmost to get it right on the continent. Since 2003-04, when both sides earned a place in the group phase of the Champions League, they have made giant strides forward as in the past, they were among the whipping boys of European competitions.

Last season, Rangers succeeded in reaching the knock-out phase of the Champions League for the first time in their history. This year, it was Celtic's turn to break the ice.