With Rangers’ Europa League clash against Benfica hanging in the balance, veteran winger Angel di Maria can count himself lucky not to be missing the Ibrox return.
The 36-year-old Argentine World Cup winner was heavily involved in the 2-2 draw in Lisbon, netting a penalty and receiving a yellow card in the clash.
Whilst it didn’t always come off for the former Real Madrid, Manchester United, and PSG star, it’s clear that Angel di Maria is a central part of how Benfica play and a big leader in their squad.
FotMob even ranked the winger as the Player of the Match (8.6), giving an inclination into Di Maria’s role in the game.
But Rangers certainly have the right to feel aggrieved after a late challenge in the second half went unpunished with the referee opting against a second yellow card for the winger.
Angel Di Maria should’ve saw red v Rangers
Angel di Maria was yellow-carded in the first half for a tackle on Ridvan Yilmaz that sparked aggressive scenes between the Rangers and Benfica teams.
After that, the Argentine was certainly walking a tight-rope but was afforded an unusual amount of protection from German referee Tobias Stieler.
Whilst there were a few moments which might’ve triggered the referee, including Di Maria petulantly kicking the ball away in the second half, one in particular stands out.
A late, lazy, and very much frustrated Angel di Maria challenge on Dujon Sterling looked a nailed on second yellow card and subsequent red but the referee held firm.
It means that Angel di Maria will be available for Benfica against Rangers at Ibrox next week and it’s clear he will have a role to play in the Europa League clash.
Benfica in Europa League let-off
Angel di Maria – for whom Manchester United broke the British transfer record to sign for the best part of £60m in 2014 – made his first steps in European football at Benfica.
It was from here the attacker was signed by Real Madrid in 2010, with that stint at Old Trafford lasting only one year before Di Maria spent the following seven years in France with PSG.
The winger would then spend last season at Italian giants Juventus before returning to Benfica in the summer.
One of the most decorated players of his generation, Angel di Maria also has 136 Argentina caps, scoring 29 times for the country and started the 2022 World Cup Final.
This is a player of huge influence and talent at Benfica and Rangers have every right to feel aggrieved that the referee let the attacker off the hook in Lisbon.
