Not Portsmouth, But Rangers Could Win the French Ligue 1

After an outstanding night for the British teams in the Champions League, it appears that the Scottish Premier League team, Rangers, could possibly unseat Lyon (and Portsmouth, whom we predicted could win it if they decided to cross the Channel) as the new French Ligue 1 champions.

A masterful performance on Tuesday night saw Walter Smith's team dismantle the proud French outfit, who is now evidently on the decline after (horror of horrors!) recruiting Alain Perrin as their new manager. One wonders what criteria the management had in their selection process, as Perrin had been exposed for a tactically limited and incapable of going beyond average teams in the English Premier League. Hell, he didn't even go anywhere with an average team like Portsmouth!

Despite Lyon having an admittedly off-night in terms of hitting the woodwork thrice and playmaker Juninho going close with free kicks on a number of occasions, Rangers more than dealt with the home team's onslaught. Sneaking in 3 goals away from home is always an achievement, much less against a reputed European opposition. Rangers defence also shone especially with Carlos Cuellar and handled everything thrown at them comfortably.

Better things ahead for the Light Blues? I would hope so. Walter Smith has always been a steadying influence and has more than proved his managerial ability in previous seasons with Rangers, as well as with Scotland on the international stage. Now, only if they could unseat those pesky little green Hoops.