Rangers’ Europa League Round of 16 tie with Benfica hangs in the balance after a spirited 2-2 draw in Lisbon kept the club’s Quarter Final hopes alive.
Heading into the match, there was a feeling that given Rangers’ impressive form at Europa League level the Ibrox club had no reason to fear this trip to the Estadio de Luz.
And in a determined performance had it not been for a freak Connor Goldson own goal, this might’ve been one of the most impressive nights in our history.
Rangers had taken a surprise lead in the match when Tom Lawrence arrived late in the box to nod home Mohamed Diomande’s cross.
After a lengthy VAR check John Souttar would then be adjudged to have controversially handled the ball, before Dujon Sterling slotted home his first goal in professional football moments later.
Connor Goldson would then score an own goal for Benfica’s equaliser, powering the ball past a helpless Jack Butland with a header from a deep cross into the box.
Here’s three things we learned as Rangers flew the Scottish flag once again in the late stages of continental competition.
Rangers proved Europa League pedigree v Benfica
Rangers once again proved they belong at this level and Benfica will know after that 90 minutes that they’re in a game, if they didn’t already.
The Ibrox side will fancy their chances back in Glasgow – the power of the raucous stadium surely a daunting prospect for a Benfica side who are under increasing pressure – and everything is neatly poised ahead of next week’s battle in Scotland.
Having overcame Real Betis in Spain to top Europa League Group C and progress to the Round of 16, Philippe Clement has already proved that big results in Europe are not beyond him or his side.
And as Rangers waltzed into the Estadio de Luz it’s a testament to the growing trust in this side that there was a quiet confidence amongst the Ibrox support.
Mohamed Diomande has slotted in wonderfully, Jack Butland was once again in inspired form, Fabio Silva played a key role in both goals whilst there are honourable mentions for the entire back four, who held out against an at times relentless Benfica attack.
This tie is anything but over – Benfica proved they still have quality players and are more than capable of progression – but Rangers fans don’t doubt this team’s commitment to the cause.
No matter what happens at Ibrox, there’s a team there who will leave everything on the pitch in the hunt for a Quarter Final place, there is little more we can ask for.
Super Jack Butland in goals
Super Jack Butland in goals was once again the hero on more than one occasion for Rangers v Benfica.
Whilst there were some monumental performances at both ends of the park, Jack Butland once again pulled off a string of top saves to live up to Angel di Maria’s pre-match praise.
In the first half in particular the England international hopeful was in electric form – even if at times a little sloppy in his distribution – to make a series of saves.
Rangers have a top goalkeeper in the 30-year-old and you can be rest-assured that even at this early stage, if the club is to progress then it’ll be in no small part down to him.
The Ibrox stopper isn’t the only one who played a blinder either.
Dujon Sterling exemplifies Rangers’ selflessness
Heading into the game much of the talk was about the injury problems Rangers are facing.
The club has been besieged by problems all season and despite the latest flurry of medical issues found an extra gear in Portugual.
The fact Dujon Sterling scored the winner – the club’s right-winger on the night and Rangers’ utility man-in-chief – exemplifies the team-driven commitment of the players who have proven versatile and flexible in the face of injuries.
Mohamed Diomande has played multiple positions, Fabio Silva found himself out wide, even John Souttar has been deployed on the opposite of his defence than what he’s used to.
There were moments when the team were genuinely running on hot air, a testament to the high level of performance they’ve put in over the last few weeks.
Philippe Clement has been very clear about a focus on the collective and this Rangers team are willing to both play and perform wherever, whenever they need to.
Let’s just hope we can hobble to the international break still firmly in the hunt in all three competitions which are remaining this season.
