Rangers have reached the quarter-finals of the Europa League after a 2-1 loss to Red Star in Belgrade.

It meant the Ibrox men won through 4-2 on aggregate.

Here are the key talking points on the whistle.

Poor on the night but job done 

It’s safe to say that progression in the tournament has largely flattered a Rangers side who rode their luck over the two legs. That’s especially true of tonight’s performance when they were second best throughout and struggled to create much of note despite the odd promising situation. Ryan Kent’s brilliant goal was decisive and his one moment of magic in a game where he huffed and puffed without having much joy. Of course, none of this matters, and Rangers have produced an outstanding result in getting to the last eight of the Europa League. It’s the deepest any Scottish team has gone in European competition for 14 years when Walter Smith lead them to the final in Manchester. Could they do the seemingly impossible and go one better this time around? The dream is alive and kicking.

Allan McGregor stands tall 

The 40-year-old's been hot and cold this season with many questioning whether it’s time for a change of no.1. Derek McInnes branded those making such suggestions “idiots” after last week’s first leg and you have to say, the Killie boss may have seen his point proved in dramatic fashion. In a career that has been marked out by outstanding performances at the top level, tonight’s performance was right up there. He produced save after save on an evening when he resembled a man both at the top of his game and over a decade younger. It was a remarkable sight to behold and another performance to add to his already significant legend. 

John Lundstram comes of age 

Lundstram arrived in the summer with a big reputation but as January approached it looked like he might be facing a loan move. It didn’t happen and the rest is history. The big Scouser has formed an iron partnership with Ryan Jack in the middle of the pitch that looks like it’s been in place for years. Dovetailing brilliantly, the duo have been at the heart of everything across these two ties and tonight, Lundstram in particular excelled. Happy to do the basics well, he’s also deceptively quick which helps him to save potentially dangerous situations. He spent the entire night putting out fires before they spread and used the ball well throughout. On any other night he’d be man of the match but alas... McGregor.