Rangers accomplished a historic feat on Thursday night, achieving a victory against a Spanish team on their home turf for the first time in the club’s existence. Ben Davies, who played a crucial role in the triumph over Real Betis, admitted that he was unaware of this significant statistic.
Throughout their extensive history of European competition, Rangers had faced Spanish opponents numerous times, with a concerning track record on Spanish soil. The last time they secured a victory in Spain dated back to 1962 when they first competed against Sevilla in the European Cup Winners’ Cup. Prior to the recent win against Real Betis, Rangers had managed to beat Spanish teams only five times out of 27 attempts, and all those victories occurred in Glasgow.
Under the guidance of manager Philippe Clement, Rangers orchestrated an exhilarating 3-2 victory at the Estadio Benito Villamarin, breaking the longstanding pattern of disappointments on Spanish grounds. The win not only brought immense joy to fans and players but also propelled Rangers to the top of Group C in the Europa League, securing a spot in the last 16 along with a substantial amount of guaranteed prize money.
Despite the historical significance of the achievement, Ben Davies confessed that, as a player, his focus was primarily on the match itself rather than the broader historical context. In his post-match comments, Davies expressed his lack of awareness about Rangers’ previous struggles in Spain and emphasized the team’s awareness of the importance of the week leading up to the game.
Davies went on to praise the impact of manager Philippe Clement, highlighting how he has united the team and instilled a cohesive playing style. However, he also cautioned against complacency, urging the squad not to get ahead of themselves, especially with the Viaplay Cup Final against Aberdeen looming on the horizon. Despite the significant leap forward, Davies emphasized the team’s commitment to staying grounded and maintaining focus on upcoming challenges, acknowledging the importance of the final as an opportunity for silverware.
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