A EUROPEAN campaign that started in July against FK Zeta at Ibrox ended in heartache in Manchester in May for Rangers.

But the story of that remarkable season will live long in the memory for those who followed Walter Smith's side every step of the way.

After seeing off Red Star Belgrade to book their place in the Champions League group stages, Rangers looked to be on course to progress to the knockout round for only the second time.

The Gers took seven points from their first three games as Stuttgart were beaten, a point was taken from the visit of Barcelona, and Lyon were shocked on a famous night in France, but it wasn't enough.

Even though they would miss out on the last 16 as they finished third in Group E, it would mark the beginning of another chapter in a hectic, thrilling season for the Light Blues.

The road to Manchester would see stop-offs in Greece, Germany, Portugal and Italy as Rangers defied the odds and a packed schedule to reach their fourth European final and their first since 1972.

In the end, there was no second piece of silverware, but Chris Jack looks back on a journey that will still be fondly remembered by the Light Blue legions.

ROUND OF 32

February 13, 2008

Rangers 0 Panathinaikos 0

February 21, 2008

Panathinaikos 1 Rangers 1

RANGERS may have secured European football after Christmas by clinching third spot ahead of Stuttgart in Group E, but they left themselves with it all to do if that run was to continue.

A stalemate at Ibrox had Panathinaikos favourites to progress to the next round as Smith's side couldn't find a route to goal on home soil.

It was not for the lack of trying from the Light Blues, but there was no repeat of the superb showings against Stuttgart and Barca in the Champions League as they were held in Glasgow.

A strike from defender Ioannis Goumas after just 12 minutes had the Greeks in control of the, tie but Rangers kept plugging away and eventually got their rewards.

With time running out and Rangers seemingly heading out, Nacho Novo, who partnered Kris Boyd in attack, struck to give the Light Blues a crucial away goal.

It was enough to put Smith's side into the next round as the first hurdle was negotiated and Rangers ensured their Euro run would continue as they also chased a domestic clean sweep.

ROUND OF 16

March 6, 2008

Rangers 2 Werder Bremen 0

March 13, 2008

Werder Bremen 1 Rangers 0

A NIGHT to forget for keeper Tim Wiese made it one to savour for Rangers as they ensured they took a healthy lead to Germany for the second leg.

Daniel Cousin opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time as his speculative long-range effort was bundled into the net by the Bremen keeper and Ibrox erupted with joy.

Just after the break, Cousin was again involved and Wiese had another howler as he failed to collect a strike from the Frenchman.

Steven Davis was on hand to double Rangers' advantage and put Smith's side well in control as they clinched a deserved win. Where Wiese had been the villain for Bremen at Ibrox, his opposite number Allan McGregor was the hero for Rangers in the return leg.

The keeper made a string of saves as Rangers defended resolutely, Markus Rosenberg, Daniel Jensen and Boubacar Sanogo all denied as the Light Blues edged through.

Without Cousin, Jean-Claude Darcheville and Lee McCulloch, Novo was fielded as the lone striker but chances were scarce for Rangers.

It was a performance typical of the campaign as Smith's side - disciplined and wholehearted - showed a determination and spirit to get themselves over the line.

Diego scored the only goal of the game just before the hour mark to give Bremen hope, but it was Rangers who kept the dream of European glory alive.

QUARTER-FINAL

April 3, 2008

Rangers 0 Sporting Lisbon 0

April 10, 2008

Sporting Lisbon 0 Rangers 2

RANGERS progressed in extraordinary circumstances against Sporting on their way to Barcelona in 1972 - and were again drawn against the Portuguese giants as they eyed up a place in the last four.

There was no extra-time drama, penalty shoot-outs or flicks through the rule book this time, however, as Smith's side deservedly progressed 2-0 on aggregate.

Rangers went into the first leg on the back of an Old Firm victory at Ibrox, but were frustrated by Sporting as the game ended goalless.

It meant Rangers would have to rely on a huge performance away from home if they were to clinch a semi-final berth. That is exactly what they got.

After spurning a glorious early chance, Darcheville gave Rangers a priceless away goal on the hour mark as he fired home a Davis cross to send the travelling fans wild in the Estádio José Alvalade.

Once again, Smith's side had to produce a solid defensive display as they stood firm to keep Sporting at bay.

Then, in the final minute, Steven Whittaker scored the best goal of his Ibrox career as he picked the ball up in the middle of the park and weaved his way into the area before finishing beyond keeper Rui Patricio.

It capped a fine performance over the two legs and Rangers were once again on the brink of a European final.

SEMI-FINAL

April 24, 2008

Rangers 0 Fiorentina 0

May 1, 2008

Fiorentina 0 Rangers 0

*Rangers win 4-2 on penalties

RANGERS may have failed to find the net at Ibrox but, like in the previous round against Sporting, the clean sheet on home soil was to prove crucial for Smith's side.

The Light Blue legions roared their team on, but Fiorentina were unperturbed and had chances to break the deadlock, Adrian Mutu rightly penalised for handball as he attempted to put La Viola in front.

The star-studded Italians were left with nothing to show for their efforts, though, and the stage was set for Rangers to showcase their talents on the continent once again.

In one of their finest European performances of recent times, Smith's side defended valiantly as this enthralling tie was eventually settled on penalties.

Even the sending-off of Daniel Cousin, the striker dismissed for a head-butt on Fabio Liverani, didn't deny Rangers their place in the history books.

After standing firm for 120 minutes, it was down to Rangers' bottle from 12 yards. Barry Ferguson saw his spot-kick saved but Neil Alexander denied Liverani before Christian Vieri blasted over.

After seeing Whittaker, Sasa Papac and Brahim Hemdani convert, it was left to Nacho Novo to send Rangers through and the striker made no mistake as he found the net to spark wild celebrations on the park and in the stands.

Against all the odds, Smith and his players had done it. Manchester had to brace itself ... Rangers were coming.

TOMORROW: MEMORIES OF MANCHESTER