It was meant to be another dream come true for Rangers on Thursday, with a first European quarter-final since 2008 looming tantalisingly on the horizon.
But it ended up being a nightmare for Steven Gerrard 's team as Slavia Prague sent them packing at Ibrox.
Things were looking promising for the newly-crowned Scottish champions after a 1-1 draw in the Czech Republic. They came in as narrow favourites to advance at Ibrox, a venue at which they hadn't tasted defeat in almost a year.
But 97 minutes of football and two red cards later, they were eliminated from the competition before Gdansk had the chance to become a realistic ambition.
Peter Olayinka's header got things started in the first half before Kemar Roofe was sent for an early bath after catching keeper Ondrej Kolar with a high boot.
The striker was soon joined by Leon Balogun, who went through the back of Lukas Masopust and was given his marching orders.
That set the stage for another moment of magic for Nicolae Stanciu and he delivered, curling in a wonderful free-kick to finish things off.
It all went out with a bang after Ondrej Kudela sparked fury by whispering into Glen Kamara 's ear.
But there was to be no miracle for Gerrard's side whose European dream was brought to an early end.
Here's how the Rangers players fared.
Allan McGregor
Absolutely no chance with either goal, both of which were brilliantly taken. Other than that, for all Prague’s possession, the keeper wasn’t overly worked - 6
Nathan Patterson
Tried to get forward when he could but had his work cut out trying to stem attacks down his side. Had tucked inside for the Slavia goal, leaving Arfield to deal with the cross. Did brilliantly with a last gasp challenge to prevent Bah adding a second - 6
Connor Goldson
Couldn’t get to Olayinka quickly enough to prevent Slavia’s opening goal but gave his usual solid performance at the heart of the defence. Didn’t get on the ball often enough to build the play from the back in his usual fashion - 6
Leon Balogun
In for Helander as his pace was going to be important but apart from a great early clearance, he struggled and could have given away a penalty before being sent off in the second half for two bookable offences - 4
Borna Barisic
Was tested defensively but managed to get forward at times to provide his customary excellent delivery from crosses and set pieces but couldn’t do it often enough - 6
Steven Davis
Started really well, plugging gaps with his usual anticipation and positional sense. Rangers needed his quality further forward but he didn’t have the time to influence the match as he has on so many occasions - 6
Glen Kamara
Another who struggled to wrestle an advantage in the middle. Curtailed by a ridiculously harsh first half yellow card and involved in the flashpoint at the end. 6
Scott Arfield
Could perhaps have done a little more to stop the cross for the early goal but it was a tough night in general against a high energy side. Eventually replaced early in the second half. 5
Ryan Kent
Rangers dangerman who looked more likely than most to give Slavia problems. Wasnt’ far off with a shot in first half and always looked to make something happen, even if he was usually surrounded. 6
Joe Aribo
Found it difficult to get a foothold on the game in the first half as Prague’s relentless workrate made space tight. Tried to get in behind on a couple of occasions. 6
Alfredo Morelos
The frontman was frustrated at times, trying to get busy, dropping deep and looking to drag defenders around. He was starved of service but created the odd half chance on his own. 6
Substitutes
Kemar Roofe
Oh dear. The legend in Liege but he let his side down with the red card after just seven minutes on the pitch. 1
Jack Simpson
Given a taste to save Patterson for Sunday. 2
Bongani Zungu
On late when the game was done. 2
Scott Wright
Handed a late run out in Europe and looked keen. 2
Cedric Itten
Chasing a lost cause with Gers two goals and two men down. 2.
