RANGERS saved the best until last. In their final game of pre-season, Steven Gerrard’s side produced their most accomplished performance to earn their most impressive win.

The fact that it came against Real Madrid made it all the sweeter and all the more encouraging for a support that savoured being back at Ibrox. As title-winning legends were saluted, potential heroes of the future were welcomed.

The win over Carlo Ancelotti’s side came just 24 hours after the champions were held by Brighton. Arsenal also earned a draw in an entertaining Ibrox fixture, while the first two matches – a win at Partick Thistle and defeat to Tranmere – were nothing more than run outs designed to increase fitness and sharpness levels.

Rangers begin their Premiership title defence against Livingston on Saturday. Here, Herald and Times Sport addresses five key talking points from their pre-season schedule.

SUMMER SIGNINGS HAVE SETTLED QUICKLY

Fans can often be too keen to judge and write off players when they arrive at Rangers, while there is a danger that others become talked up beyond the reality.

That doesn’t look like being the case with John Lundstram or Fashion Sakala, though, and the early evidence is positive for Rangers. It is clear what they will bring to Gerrard’s side and how they will fit into the squad.

Lundstram has been a composed and assured presence in the middle of the park, while Sakala couldn’t have wished for a better start to life at Ibrox after marking his first start with a goal in the win over Madrid.

Time will tell when Nnamdi Ofoborh is well enough to return to action, but Rangers’ business so far looks like paying dividends for Gerrard once again.

That is the case for a January arrival, too. Six months after moving from Aberdeen, Scott Wright is now primed to kick-start his Rangers career after a bright pre-season.

RANGERS READY TO PICK UP WHERE THEY LEFT OFF

There was no need to read too much into the first couple of fixtures this season but the last three – against Arsenal, Brighton and Real – have been more indicative for Rangers.

Those outings have seen a greater emphasis placed on the shape and makeup of Gerrard’s side and the finishing touch that had been missing was finally added against their La Liga visitors on Sunday.

Rangers have been quick starters in each of Gerrard’s three previous seasons and they can’t afford to stumble out of the blocks this term as they prepare for their return to the Champions League against either Malmo or HJK Helsinki.

The opening weeks of the Premiership are crucial for building momentum and the champions look well placed to continue moving through the gears in the first tranche of domestic fixtures.

DECISION TIME OVER KELLY

Stephen Kelly was earmarked as a player of some potential by Gerrard during his first pre-season in Spain three years ago and he has only enhanced his reputation with impressive loans spells at Ayr United and Ross County since then.

His mature, classy performance against Brighton on Saturday was another major tick for him but Gerrard must now determine whether he merits a place in the squad and the chance to follow in Nathan Patterson’s footsteps.

His game time would undoubtedly be more limited should he remain at Ibrox rather than going out on loan to another Premiership club and a balance must be found for the 21-year-old.

Kelly has done his best and done his bit. Whatever decision Gerrard makes, the Ibrox kid will need to trust his mentor that it is the right one for his career.

ITTEN STAKES HIS CLAIM FOR A START

With Alfredo Morelos absent and Jermain Defoe combining his playing duties with a coaching role this term, this was a real opportunity for Cedric Itten to kick-on from a debut campaign that was solid if unspectacular.

Three goals, including the winner against Real, is a statement of intent from the Swiss and he couldn’t have done much more to prove that he is eager to line the line against Livingston.

With that maiden season, one which yielded six goals, and a year in Glasgow under his belt, supporters are right to expect more from Itten in the coming months.

Itten can’t yet be relied on as Rangers’ main striker or source of goals. If he can build on his pre-season form, that could come sooner rather than later, however, and the opportunity is now there for him to rise to prominence.

IBROX IS PRIMED FOR A PARTY

The crowds on Saturday and Sunday felt like significant steps forward and it is now only a matter of time before Gerrard and his players hear the full Ibrox roar once again.

Some 17,000 supporters will be granted access for the visit of Livingston and there won’t be a spare seat in the house when Rangers make their long-awaited return to the Champions League next month.

The presence of a demanding crowd will ask questions of those that have yet to experience such a weight on their shoulders and only time will tell if they can handle that expectation.

It should be an atmosphere to savour for the champions, though, as fans finally get the chance to celebrate their 55th title and look to inspire Rangers to further successes this season.