Rangers ensured they will hang on to the Scottish Premiership trophy for at least a few more days with a dominant win over Dundee United.
James Tavernier led his side to the trophy for the first time in a decade last season but will relinquish it in the next seven days.
But the skipper set Gers on their way to the win that will delay the inevitable with a penalty opener for his 17th of the season before substitute Amad Diallo made sure of victory with a second for the Europa League finalists.
Fans were in a party mood with beach balls and sombreros after securing their place in Seville on May 18.
But while Europe has been the highlight this season, it’s been a domestic disappointment and anything other than a victory against the Euro-chasing Tangerines would have handed Celtic the title.
And at half-time that’s the way it was going as Gers failed to find the breakthrough despite a dominant first 45 minutes.
It required a penalty to find a way to a dogged Dundee United’s net with Tavernier converting in the second half before Diallo added a second.
It was always going to be difficult for the Gers players after the emotional high of Thursday night and the fact they know the title is now beyond them.
But that also allowed Van Bronckhorst to rest some key men ahead of two cup finals that will make or break their season.
And he handed youngster Leon King a start along with fringe man James Sands while Aaron Ramsey made his comeback from injury after fears his season was over last month.
The home side started on the front foot but Tangerines keeper Benjamin Siegrist - linked with a move to Ibrox - was in fine form.
And the United keeper did brilliantly to deny Scott Arfield, fresh from signing his new deal, after a lovely one-two with Steven Davis as the former Canada captain looked certain to score.
Fashion Sakala then had a great chance on the half hour mark after Connor Goldson picked him out with a long range pass but the Zambian fired just the wrong side of the post.
Ramsey then smacked the upright on the stroke of half time after Scott Wright played him through - but the offside flag was up.
Rangers had all of the play in the first 45 minutes but no goals to show for it and Diallo was introduced in place of Wright at the break.
And the on-loan Manchester United man created a good chance early in the second half but after doing well to get a shooting opportunity he dragged his shot wide.
Siegrist impressed and pulled off a fine save to deny Sakala but it was the keeper who was culpable as Gers finally got the breakthrough.
Ramsey played a delightful ball over the top of the United defence for for Sakala and Siegrist came rising out and wiped out the striker.
Steven McLean had no option but to point to the spot and up stepped Tavernier to fire home the opener from 12 yards.
The Light Blues kept probing and Diallo had the ball in the bet but again the offside flag was up.
Rangers then made sure of the win with just over 10 minutes left on the clock.
Archie Meekison failed to control a Charlie Mulgrew pass, Goldson snatching possession.
The defender fed Sakala and he played in Diallo who beautifully lofted the ball into the net to seal the victory.
Here's three talking points from Ibrox Stadium:
After the Lord Mayor’s show
It was always going to be difficult to follow up after the raucous high of the win over RB Leipzig on Thursday night.
For Rangers it’s now all about the Europa League and Scottish Cup finals with the title heading to Parkhead any day now.
And while Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s men were totally dominant, the tempo from midweek and atmosphere was understandably missing.
Fans still brought sombreros and beach balls to celebrate the achievement of reaching the final and it was an impressive display but the day was flat in comparison to Thursday - but then so will the majority of days at Ibrox!
King for a day
Leon King was handed his first start by Giovanni van Bronckhorst as Calvin Bassey was given a well-earned rest.
The Rangers boss has spoken highly of the teenager and, albeit he wasn’t seriously tested, the stopper looked assured.
Neil McCann compared the youngster to his old team-mate Craig Moore in terms of his stature and style.
King recently extended his contract at Rangers until the summer of 2024 and he certainly looks to have a bright future ahead of him.
And it was a good day for the Academy with Alex Lowry, just 24 hours after extending his deal, Adam Devine and Charlie McCann were all introduced in a second half triple change.
He’s Ghana be good
Tam Courts has done a brilliant job in bringing through youngsters while challenging for a European spot.
And Ghanaian kid Mathew Anim Cudjoe showed why there has been so much hype about him in his first start.
The youngster wasn’t fazed by the big occasion and at just 18 is one the Arabs are rightly getting excited about.
Cudjoe was comfortable on the ball and always looked to make things happen for the visitors.
