"Philippe Clement is bringing the magic back to Ibrox".
Those were the words of TNT Sports commentator Rory Hamilton as Rangers took a giant stride towards guaranteeing European football after Christmas with a deserved 2-1 win over Sparta Prague at Ibrox.
First-half goals from Danilo and Todd Cantwell had the home side in cruise control but they were forced to cling onto maximum points after the Czech champions applied some late pressure in an entertaining Europa League group stage encounter.
Lukas Haraslin pulled a goal back for the visitors after 77 minutes to set up a nervy end to the contest but Rangers held on to ensure Philippe Clement stretched his unbeaten run as manager to six matches.
The Gers were comfortably the better of the two sides on the night, despite the final scoreline and they leapfrogged their opponents into second place in Group C, with leaders Real Betis 4-1 against Aris Limassol in the other tie.
Here’s our Rangers post-match player ratings from Ibrox:
Unused subs: Robby McCrorie (GK), Kieran Wright (GK), Dujon Sterling, Kemar Roofe, Leon King, Adam Devine.
5. Ben Davies - 7/10
Back in the starting XI on this occasion with Balogun unavailable, the Englishman was commanding in the air and helped shore things up at the back. | AFP via Getty Images
6. Borna Barisic - 7/10
Linked up well with Sima down the left-hand side and didn't do much wrong defensively. Harshly booked in the second half. | Getty Images
7. Ryan Jack - 8/10
A performance he can be proud of. A bundle of energy in the middle and worked tirelessly with and without the ball. | POOL/AFP via Getty Images
8. John Lundstram - 7/10
Terrific raking pass to Sima in the build up to Cantwell's goal. Rock-steady and happy to much a lot of the dirty work. | POOL/AFP via Getty Images