Rangers: The Champions League was a dream but the Europa League is reality for Steven Gerrard

As it stands, it is six more Thursday nights that Rangers are aiming to circle on their calendars. Once again, it is all about the Europa League for Gerrard and his players.

It is a competition that encapsulates Rangers’ transformation under Gerrard. A setback was always likely to come, though, and it did so at the worst possible moment.

From the farce of Progres, Rangers would become a relative force on the continent as Gerrard guided his side into the group stages in three successive seasons. In the latter two, a place in the last 16 was ultimately earned before they fell short.

Such achievements were notable at the time and some of the occasions ranks amongst the finest of Gerrard’s tenure. There are, of course, disappointments in there, but those famous fixtures against the likes of Rapid Vienna, Porto and Braga will always stand out.

Rangers were not just earning points and pounds, they were re-establishing their reputation week by week. After a decade away, Rangers were back where they belonged.

It may be unpalatable for board members and supporters to admit or accept, but the Europa League is Rangers’ level right now. As a club and a team, they are not equipped to take to the field with the behemoths from across the continent.

Gerrard admitted as much last week as he came to terms with the defeat to Malmo that cost Rangers a shot at the Champions League, and all the glitz, glamour and prize money that comes with it.

The Premiership champions may not be ready to go head-to-head with the giants – PSG, Chelsea and Manchester City were the ones that Gerrard referenced - of the European game, but Malmo were not insurmountable over two legs. The Swedes merited their wins at home and away, yet their progression was as much down to Rangers’ failings as their own qualities.

Moving through these qualifying rounds is never easy. Indeed, Rangers only need to look across the city and see Celtic’s recent record in the Champions League to understand the pitfalls that lie in wait at this stage of the season.

The pathway was laid out in front of Gerrard’s side, though. Rangers had 45 minutes to finish the job against ten-man Malmo and couldn’t do it as they capitulated at Ibrox.

As they came to terms with an abject second half showing and a defeat that will carry significant ramifications on and off the park, their pain was compounded as Ludogorets overcame Olympiacos and set up a meeting with Jon Dahl Tomasson’s side.

It wasn’t exactly shooty-in, but it was as good as Rangers could have hoped for as they sought to improve in Europe once again and continue their upward trajectory on the continent. It is a record, of course, that has benefitted Scottish football significantly.

If progress is to be made for a fourth successive season, it will need to come in the competition that Gerrard’s side are so familiar with, and time will tell if a place in the quarter-finals, or beyond, is a dream or a reality.

Given the performances produced and results earned in previous terms, there would seem to be few reasons why Rangers can’t set their sights on another prolonged run in the Europa League.

The mentality, both on and off the park, will be interesting, though. The Europa League was great when it was all that Rangers could achieve, but will it still hold the same lure when it is clearly the second prize and the opportunity that nobody at Ibrox wanted?

Rangers’ achievements at this level should not be dismissed or forgotten. The Europa League may not be the biggest stage, but it is the one on which Gerrard’s side are at least able to shine and Rangers should continue to relish it with the same verve and vigour as previously.

Rangers cannot be considered favourites to win the Europa League, but there is more pleasure to be taken in being competitive over a campaign than taking a place in a Champions League group and setting up to limit the damage. It is not where they wanted to be, but it is where they deserve to be.

If Alashkert can be overcome, the six group stage games that await offer plenty in their own right. The feelings of deflation are only natural, but they will soon be replaced if Rangers look like embarking on another headline-grabbing Europa run.

In terms of cash and prestige, the Champions League is where Rangers want to be and need to be, but that ambition, again as Celtic have proven, can never be taken for granted.

Gerrard will always strive for better and want to raise the bar. When it comes to Europe, the glass ceiling has a Champions League logo on it, though.

In time, maybe Rangers will build a squad capable of reaching those lucrative group stages and not looking out of place. If they do, they may find that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side and their aim would ultimately be to drop into the Europa League.

Taking a seat at the top table will never be a regular occurrence for the Old Firm but both are capable of being a side to be reckoned with at a lower level.

That is where both teams are and that is where Scottish football is. It is hard to see that dynamic changing any time soon.

The defeat to Malmo and the opportunity missed will continue to hurt Rangers and linger at Ibrox and it will be felt once again this evening.

It will subside, though. Opportunity will arise out of adversity for Rangers and it is one that they are capable of making the most of.