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.
5. Borna Barisic - 5
Another injury for the left-back ended his evening on 40 minutes. Allowed crosses from Fai that were dangerous but not taken, but offers such great delivery of his own, Rangers missed that threat later. Photo: Rico Brouwer - SNS Group
6. Ryan Jack - 7
Showed up in all positions and had more possession with the defence penned by Liege's high line. Complemented Kamara better than in past and understanding progressing well. Photo: Rico Brouwer - SNS Group
7. Glen Kamara - 7
In focus midfielder rarely needs to get in amongst the dirty side of the game, but mucked in when the rain fell hard and prohibited his usual composed subtlety in the middle. Photo: Dean Mouhtaropoulos
8. Scott Arfield - 8
Thrives in these European nights. A pest to the Liege backline with his unpredictable b ursts forward - well known to his team-mates - and also has the understanding to get the best out of Morelos. Doesn't stop and gave his all. Photo: Ian MacNicol