Borussia Dortmund 2-4 Rangers
February 17, 2022
Europa League
The first step on the road to Seville was taken as Van Bronckhorst’s side produced an incredible performance and secured an astonishing result against the Bundesliga giants.
Second half goals from Jude Bellingham and Raphael Guerreiro gave Dortmund hope but it ultimately proved in vain and Rangers would finish the job a week later at Ibrox.
A James Tavernier penalty was followed by an effort from Alfredo Morelos as Rangers claimed a 2-0 lead at the break. Just after the restart, John Lundstram’s stunning strike ensured that history would be made at the Westfalenstadion.
Dan-Axel Zagadou’s own goal gave Van Bronckhorst’s side breathing space in the tie and Rangers were off and running in Europe in quite spectacular fashion.
Celtic 1-2 Rangers
April 17, 2022
Scottish Cup
The exertions of beating Braga in extra-time just a couple of days beforehand could have taken their toll, but Van Bronckhorst’s side somehow found it within themselves to go again over the course of another rollercoaster two hours at Hampden.
Greg Taylor’s opener was cancelled out by Scott Arfield to send the semi-final to extra-time and Celtic were dreaming of a Treble in their first season under Ange Postecoglou’s guidance. It was Van Bronckhorst who earned a shot at glory, however.
Fashion Sakala did his best to claim the winner but it went down as a Carl Starfelt own goal. It didn’t matter for Rangers or their boss as their fitness and spirit came to the fore and the foundations for Scottish Cup success were laid.
Rangers 3-1 RB Leipzig
May 5, 2022
Europa League
This night will stand as Van Bronckhorst’s finest as manager. Indeed, it was the most memorable and remarkable that Ibrox has ever hosted.
Early strikes from James Tavernier and Glen Kamara saw supporters dare to dream as the decibel levels hit new heights. In the end, a Christopher Nkunku strike that made the tie 2-2 overall only set the stage for an enthralling finish.
John Lundstram scored with ten minutes remaining to secure a historic win that booked Rangers their spot in Seville and a first European final in five decades. The sights and sounds in the stands told their own story.
The campaign would end in heartache against Eintracht Frankfurt. But nobody that was at Ibrox for this one will forget the emotion of this occasion.
