Let's start with the blindingly obvious. Yes, this was a friendly – a notoriously unreliable barometer of what lies in store.
It has to be stated that Real Madrid were also missing half a team here. They also have one week more than Rangers to get themselves ready for the start of their own season.
By any stretch of the imagination, though, this was a hugely impressive display by Steven Gerrard’s side.
Cedric Itten scored the winning goal as Rangers came from behind to beat Real Madrid 2-1
It will count for little by the time they are eyeballing Livingston in their seasion opener on Saturday, of course, but as far as a timely boost to moral is concerned – if any were needed – you could hardly wish for more.