Rangers were fired a Europa League warning by Darwin Nunez on Thursday night, as the Uruguayan striker netted a hat-trick for Benfica.
Kemar Roofe’s spectacular long-range goal dominated the headlines from the opening round of Europa League fixtures as Rangers got off to a flying start in Group D with a win in Belgium.
Standard Liege huffed and puffed at the Stade Maurice Dufrasne but didn’t manage a shot on target across the 90 minutes as Steven Gerrard’s side kept yet another clean sheet.
Things will get tougher as the group stages progress, though, with a double-header against Benfica to come across matchdays three and four.
The Portuguese giants were tested in their opening fixture in Poland but after being pegged back twice, they went on to record a 4-2 win over Lech Poznan, with Darwin Nunez stealing the show.
Benfica stumped up a whopping €24 million (approximately £22m) to bring the striker in from Spanish second-tier side U.D Almeria in the summer [Goal.com] and he showed just why he is so highly rated in his first Europa League outing.
The 21-year-old put his side 2-1 up with a thumping header in the 42nd minute following a cross from the right.
Lech Poznan levelled things up shortly after the interval but on the hour mark, Nunez produced a sublime piece of skill to nutmeg an opposition defender in the box before calmly slotting past the keeper.
The Uruguay international then converted a close-range header in injury time to complete his hat-trick and ensure his side returned home with all three points.
It was an extremely impressive showing from Nuñez which suggested that he will provide a massive test for Connor Goldson and co. when Rangers travel to Lisbon early next month.
While you’re here, why not check out our Post-Match Review video from the win over Standard Liege over on the Rangers News YouTube channel.
