There was a moment in the first-half at Ibrox yesterday, when Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin had denied another attack from a Rangers onslaught, that it felt strangely normal to be dominating against the world’s best-known footballing name.

In truth, that moment turned into a match. With all the disclaimers of pre-season in the mix, Rangers demonstrated just how high their performance levels can go in their win over Los Blancos.

They were aggressive, always positive in possession and by all measures generally unfortunate not to have scored two or three goals by the time play restarted after half-time.

This wasn’t a Madrid side that boasted the talents of Luka Modric, Toni Kross and Karim Benzema, but it was still elite opposition. Lucas Vazquez, Martin Odegaard, Luka Jovic, Rodrygo, Nacho and Isco all started the game. Top-level players.

Rangers set the intensity from their first passage of play when John Lundstram drove into the area and was unfortunate to not find a recipient willing to guide home his cross. The energy and drive he provided throughout drifting into the half space berth was notable. As was the timing of his movement into such areas.

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By finding these pockets, maintaining width and enjoying the new-found athleticism that Fashion Sakala and Lundstram bring, Rangers were able to move the ball quickly and vertically through the Spanish visitors and press aggressively when possession turned over.

We’d all heard of the threat Sakala would pose to teams by running off the shoulder, but what stood out was his involvement in Rangers’ build-up play. On a number of occasions he worked the ball impressively in tight areas before releasing to the flank.

Gerrard spoke post-match of how much his attitude has stood out, and how keen he was to learn. Both apparent from the way he played as a collective member of an overall performance.

Ryan Kent was wonderful, and seemed to just thoroughly enjoy himself. At one point, teasing then skipping past Alvaro Odriozola in flamboyant fashion to much excitement. He was rightly awarded with a stadium-wide rendition of his song as Odriozola trotted back, tail between his legs.

Ianis Hagi played in a midfield three in the opening half and impressed for the most part. He picked up plenty of intelligent positions and, as always, was readily available to receive the ball on the half turn. His move to the forward line after the break, coinciding with the introduction of Glen Kamara, offered a better balance. It was the Finnish midfielder who won possession to assist Sakala’s strike which tied the match.

A special mention to for Scott Wright who looks better with each passing match. He pressed from in-to-out with great intelligence and more than held his own against Marcelo. Don’t be surprised if he lines up from the start against Livingston on Saturday.

A real topic of pre-season has been the need for tactical evolution, with Gerrard admitting last weekend that he needed variation. This match saw his side switch to a 4-1-4-1 in a bid to incorporate the strengths of James Tavernier and Nathan Patterson midway through the second half, but the Ibrox side fell too deep and looked uncomfortable.

Without the numerical strength centrally to block the pitch and with two wide midfielders unable to stay high, the visitors gained territory and Cedric Itten looked isolated. Reversion to a 4-3-3 quickly saw the momentum and shift back to the hosts who know the roles and responsibility in that formation to within an inch of their lives.

Gerrard’s comments based on his side’s defensive performance was telling. Although this system has worked so effectively, after three years there is a danger in Europe that Rangers are found out.

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What pleased the manager most therefore was the aggression and speed that transferred to their defensive set-up and saw them overload each flank and stifle Madrid when they did foray up the park.

He told RangersTV: “We’ve showed a level out of possession that I really like. Our speed across the grass, our aggression. Moving together as a unit in our shape, I’m really happy with that”

Madrid did at times try to open gaps and stretch the hosts with crossfield balls but Rangers’ military-esque organisation closed gaps, narrowed play and limited their opponents.

And so in summation, pre-season has answered plenty queries. The signings made in Sakala and Lundstrum look to be excellent acquisitions who do not only fit into the side, but compliment their compatriots.

We don’t quite know how yet, but we have learned that Gerrard wants to find a way to play both Tavernier and Patterson. Whether he can do that without upsetting the balance of his side remains to be seen.

Tavernier commented in midweek that this team can be “more relentless this season”. The aggression and intent on show last night points towards a season of progression and silverware, and some competitive giant-slaying along the way.