It’s worth emphasising just how rocky the path was for Rangers to finish in the top eight, having started the final matchday in 13th place in the standings.
They ended up playing four of the other seven teams who went straight to the last 16 in Manchester United, Tottenham, Lyon and Olympiakos.
During the eight matches they ended up playing seven different back-four combinations due to a series of casualties.
Right-back Neraysho Kasanwirjo played left-back against Malmo before he suffered a season-ending injury.
Left-back Ridvan Yilmaz had to play right-back against two Premier League sides, while James Tavernier ended up at centre-back against Manchestr United and Union.
At Ibrox against the Belgians, diminutive right winger Ross McCausland filled in on the right of defence after Leon King was forced off inside the first quarter with a head knock.
In their final two games, Rangers finished with several teenagers on the pitch.
All that considered, the resilience was seriously impressive as they finished eighth having only been outscored by three sides.
“Maybe we don’t have the talent of other teams – but it’s about mentality,” Clement said. “The belief was there from the first day but it’s about digging in and giving everything we have.
“We had to be very creative the last few months but we’ve done it brilliantly.
“Massive clubs with massive budgets have finished behind us, and around us, the achievement is only bigger by beating four of the seven top teams.”
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