Rangers had only lost once to Belgian opposition, on this site and against Liege some 60 years ago, and Steven Gerrard’s side approached the game on the crest of a wave following the weekend win over Celtic.
After seeing off Galatasaray to set up a group section with Benfica, Lech Poznan and tonight's hosts, the players had a platform to perform and a standard to uphold.
And they did that in some testing conditions with lashing rain and then a flooded pitch bordering on unplayable – but they saw it out with a first half James Tavernier penalty and a second-half wonder goal from Kemar Roofe.
Player ratings scale - 10: One of best performances you've seen. 9: Outstanding. 8: Very good. 7: Good. 6: Average. 5: Poor, 4: Very poor. 3: Terrible day at office. 2: Abysmal. 1: One of worst performances you've seen.
. Rangers' players celebrate during a soccer match between Belgian team Standard de Liege and Scottish club Rangers FC, Thursday 22 October 2020 in Liege, on the first day of the group phase (group D) of the UEFA Europa League competition. BELGA PHOTO BRUNO FAHY (Photo by BRUNO FAHY/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images)
Rangers' players celebrate (Photo by BRUNO FAHY/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images) Photo: BRUNO FAHY
. Allan McGregor - 7
Another week of 'just in case'. The goalkeeper wasn't really called into action but he keeps his defence on their toes for another positive performance from the team, building from the back Photo: Rico Brouwer - SNS Group
. James Tavernier - 8
Earned the penalty with the corner, scored it and also kept crosses from the Liege left to a minimum. Same couldn't be said on opposite side. Continues to be an important figure for Rangers, and remains coolly in form. Photo: VIRGINIE LEFOUR
. Connor Goldson - 7
Played a vital role at the other end of the pitch from Saturday, denying Muleka with a great tackle shortly after the striker hit the crossbar in the first half. Held the new-look defence together in the second half in another assured display. Photo: Rico Brouwer - SNS Group
. Leon Balogun - 6
Drafted in for Filip Helander but not able to carry the ball as is his want due to Liege's high press. Smooth transition back into the side and fine foil for Goldson as central defender simply halting attacks and clearing lines. Photo: BRUNO FAHY
1. Allan McGregor - 7
Another week of 'just in case'. The goalkeeper wasn't really called into action but he keeps his defence on their toes for another positive performance from the team, building from the back Photo: Rico Brouwer - SNS Group
2. James Tavernier - 8
Earned the penalty with the corner, scored it and also kept crosses from the Liege left to a minimum. Same couldn't be said on opposite side. Continues to be an important figure for Rangers, and remains coolly in form. Photo: VIRGINIE LEFOUR
3. Connor Goldson - 7
Played a vital role at the other end of the pitch from Saturday, denying Muleka with a great tackle shortly after the striker hit the crossbar in the first half. Held the new-look defence together in the second half in another assured display. Photo: Rico Brouwer - SNS Group
4. Leon Balogun - 6
Drafted in for Filip Helander but not able to carry the ball as is his want due to Liege's high press. Smooth transition back into the side and fine foil for Goldson as central defender simply halting attacks and clearing lines. Photo: BRUNO FAHY