IT was the campaign that inspired a song that still resonates around Ibrox today and gave Rangers a taste of a competition that would ultimately lead to their finest hour.

Rangers may have only grasped the silverware once from the four occasions that they had it within touching distance but the matches, the moments and the men live long in the memory for the Light Blue legions.

In 1960, the European Cup Winners' Cup was in its infancy, but it allowed some of the finest players ever to pull on the famous jersey to take their talents to the continent in the quest of silverware.

Seen through the prism of more than 50 years, it's amazing to compare this competition to its modern equivalent of the multi-game formatted Europa League.

In 1960-61, clubs only had to navigate their way past three rounds - home and away - to reach the final.

In the first part of our series on Rangers' European exploits, CHRIS JACK looks at the story of the campaign as Scott Symon's side became the first British club to reach the final of a European competition.

EUROPEAN CUP WINNERS' CUP

FIRST ROUND

August 1, 1960 Rangers 4-2 Ferencvaros

August 11, 1960 Ferencvaros 2-1 Rangers

ONE of the most famous forward lines in Rangers' history ensured a winning start for the Light Blues in the newly-inaugurated European Cup Winners' Cup.

But things didn't quite go to plan as the Hungarians took the lead through Orosz after just 17 minutes.

It took until the second half for Scott Symon's side to pull themselves level, Harold Davis heading home an Alex Scott free-kick before the prolific Jimmy Millar and Ralph Brand, above, both found the net.

After Friedmansky had pulled one back for the visitors, Millar struck with just four minutes remaining to ensure Rangers took a two-goal lead into the second leg.

It was to prove a crucial moment in the tie and one that gave the Gers vital breathing space as Ferencvaros started brightly in the return match, Orosz netting early on to bring the hosts back into it.

When Friedmansky doubled Ferencvaros' lead, Rangers had to dig deep to get themselves through and it took a Davie Wilson strike just after the hour mark to settle matters and get the Light Blues off and running in the competition.

EUROPEAN CUP WINNERS' CUP

SECOND ROUND

November 15, 1960

Borussia Monchengladbach 0-3 Rangers

November 30, 1960

Rangers 8-0 Borussia Monchengladbach

IF the first round match-up had at one stage looked to be getting away from Rangers, the second was never in any doubt as they eased passed their German rivals.

Millar and Scott had the Gers 2-0 up inside 25 minutes and Symon's side never looked back after that in front of a 50,000 crowd as George Niven saved a penalty.

Harold McMillan, instrumental for Rangers throughout and the creator of the first goal with a mesmerising run, capped a fine performance with the third goal of the night to all-but secure a place in the last four.

With the tie seemingly won, a crowd of just 38,000 made its way to Ibrox for the return leg, but those that did turn out were given plenty to cheer.

Rangers scored five times in the first half in a superb display and added another three after the break as Niven was untested throughout and Symon's side dominated.

Jim Baxter, signed in the summer from Raith Rovers, scored his first European goal for the club after just two minutes and it opened the floodgates in the torrential Glasgow rain.

Ralph Brand bagged a hat-trick, Jimmy Millar hit two, Pfeffier put past his own keeper and Harold Davis completed the rout, the final goal coming with 24 minutes still remaining on the clock.

EUROPEAN CUP WINNERS' CUP

SEMI-FINALS

March 29, 1961 Rangers 2-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers

April 19, 1961 Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-1 Rangers

A CROWD of 80,000 packed Ibrox for this Battle-of-Britain clash as Rangers took a significant step towards their first European final.

A sweet Scott strike after 33 minutes gave the hosts the lead, but Wolves had their chances, Bobby Shearer and Eric Caldow coming to the rescue before the end of the first half.

With the clock ticking down, Ralph Brand doubled Rangers' lead as he netted with his only chance of the game to put Symon's side well in control of the tie.

It meant Rangers made the trip to Wolverhampton a couple of weeks later on the brink of history and determined not to slip up on the icy Molineux park as heavy snow fell in the Midlands.

After surviving an early onslaught, Scott made the decisive breakthrough on the stroke of half-time and when Billy Ritchie pulled off a remarkable save to deny Flowers, the travelling Gers support could start to dream.

Peter Broadbent scored after 65 minutes to give Wolves hope but Rangers stood firm and secured their place in the history books as the first British club to make it to a European final.

EUROPEAN CUP WINNERS' CUP

SEMI-FINALS

March 29, 1961 Rangers 2-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers

April 19, 1961 Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-1 Rangers

A CROWD of 80,000 packed Ibrox for this Battle-of-Britain clash as Rangers took a significant step towards their first European final.

A sweet Scott strike after 33 minutes gave the hosts the lead, but Wolves had their chances, Bobby Shearer and Eric Caldow coming to the rescue before the end of the first half.

With the clock ticking down, Ralph Brand doubled Rangers' lead as he netted with his only chance of the game to put Symon's side well in control of the tie.

It meant Rangers made the trip to Wolverhampton a couple of weeks later on the brink of history and determined not to slip up on the icy Molineux park as heavy snow fell in the Midlands.

After surviving an early onslaught, Scott made the decisive breakthrough on the stroke of half-time and when Billy Ritchie pulled off a remarkable save to deny Flowers, the travelling Gers support could start to dream.

Peter Broadbent scored after 65 minutes to give Wolves hope but Rangers stood firm and secured their place in the history books as the first British club to make it to a European final.