Gers’ 4-2 win away to Borussia Dortmund tonight was quite remarkable – but with a second leg to come and the Germans possessing so much quality, the captain was quick to point out how much work is still to be done.
"The first part is done,” explained Tavernier. “We got the result that we wanted to take back home - but it is only halfway through.
"We have got a lot of positives to take from this game but I thought the boys were exceptional tonight.
"Every man, and even the boys that came on, I thought everyone did a fantastic job and, like I say, it is only halfway, but we have a lot of work to do next week, but we have put ourselves in a really good position.
"Come next Thursday, we are going to treat this as a 0-0. There are no away goals, but with 50,000 fans behind us, that will help us but we want to put a performance in for our fans and get through to the next round."
Tavernier has taken some pressurised penalties for Gers in his career – but few match taking one against a team of Dortmund’s calibre on their famous home turf.
The skipper continued: "It was probably the wait for the VAR - I didn't see the handball and obviously when the ref blows, you know there is something going to happen, but that is the benefit of having VAR.
"There was a little bit of a wait until the whistle went, but I was calm when I took it and I was just happy to get the boys in the lead and give us something to build on."
He also took time to commend the tactical plan of manager Gio van Bronckhorst and his staff, adding: "We have been doing our gameplans really well of late and the past few games we have really been on the front foot, putting teams under pressure and we have worked really hard in the last few days getting that gameplan right and giving them no time on the ball.
"I thought in the first half, we limited them to hardly any chances and in the second half, we were in a good position but we knew we were going to get some pressure, but I thought we handled it really well.
"I am a bit disappointed that we conceded the two goals in the manner that we did, but we have put ourselves in a good position, and we have got to believe in ourselves."
He also praised Ryan Jack, as he played close to 90 minutes as he continues his recovery from injury which has kept him out for the best part of a year.
Tavernier said: "Jacko is an exceptional player for us - he has been that way since he first came through the doors at Ibrox and I am delighted for him to be getting his chance but it just shows the strength in depth of our squad.
"Jacko got his chance, and he took his chance with both hands so I am really happy for him and hopefully he can stay injury-free and just play game-in, game-out."
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