The week began filled with optimism and zeal.

Celtic have been dealing with a decidedly inferior staff and overwhelming favourites to progress, Rangers have been down however decided to not be out, Aberdeen had fought again at Pittodrie to have even footing of their tie, and Hibs have been able to make some historical past.

Greatest-laid plans and all that…

Celtic huffed and puffed towards Kazakh facet Kairat Almaty, however they have been unable to even come near discovering the again of the web in a blunt show.

Regulation time was stuffy, extra-time was turgid, and the penalties have been remarkably unremarkable.

Adam Idah, Luke McCowan and Daizen Maeda all missed from the spot as they suffered one of many most ignominious defeats of their historical past.

Subsequent up, Russell Martin’s Rangers.

Trailing 3-1 to Membership Brugge after an almighty shambles from the primary leg at Ibrox, they have been outsiders however retained a fighter’s probability if they might discover their footing.

Brugge, as a substitute, discovered the again of the web six instances with out reply as lots of the travelling punters determined it was time for the pinnacle coach to vacate his place.

It was 9-1 of an mixture scoreline for the tie as followers branded Martin a “coward” with some rapidly customary banners.

A humbling and a hammering thus far.