However, Gers hope they will be toasting progression to the Europa League last eight after next week’s second leg at Ibrox.
Helander’s tap-in preserved their 12-game unbeaten run against continental opposition and set them up with a golden chance to march on again, while they were also thankful for a stunning late save from Allan McGregor.
Rangers started like a team who could still taste what they had drunk at the weekend – which judging by the videos leaked from the Ibrox dressing room was plenty.
Slavia, though, were in no mood to show sympathy. With Gerrard’s team far too passive, it took the Czechs just seven minutes to take advantage.