Losing a player so early meant that the hosts would always have to do against it, but they survived the storm well with the ultimate team performance.

They made 39 releases, 20 duels and held their discipline – even with nine men on the field in the last minutes after the injury of Sterling.

It was the “real Rangers performance” that Ferguson was hoping for.

“This is the exact reaction I wanted,” he said. “I spoke about this on Monday and the players showed a performance full of heart, grit and determination.”

Nico Raskin and the 18 -year -old Bailey Rice – only his second start – were organized in midfield.

Behind them, Balogun and Sterling dealt with the imposing threat from Maroan Sannadi, while Ianis Hagi and Vaclav Cerny traced back on the wings to cover.

Cyriel Dessers fought for free kicks in front while fed scrap.

Kelly, the hero of the hour, quickly praised his teammates.

“I never had much to do in the game,” he suggested. “When we went on 10 men, the boys were absolutely brilliant in front of me.

“I just wanted to help the team, I don’t really take care of myself.”

This mentality, one of belonging together, is what we have seen on Ibrox on many European nights. Rangers have to dig deeply to find it again in Bilbao next week.