Rangers blew a two-goal lead in the space of three second-half minutes to draw 2-2 with Benfica in Europa League Group D at Ibrox on Thursday night.
The Gers have been free-scoring recently and it didn’t take them long to get off the mark against a Benfica side who were depleted by injuries, positive Covid-19 tests and a suspension.
In the 7th minute, Kemar Roofe and James Tavernier were denied by Helton Leite and the crossbar respectively following a superb Borna Barisic cross, but Scott Arfield was on hand to volley home emphatically.
The visitors played their part in an even first period, though. Ewerton squandered a good chance in the 12th minute, while a superb last-ditch challenge was required from Leon Balogun to deny Rafa Silva on the stroke of the interval.
Following a sedate start to the second half, the game burst into life after the hour mark.
Kemar Roofe saw a penalty appeal inexplicably waved away by the officials following a handball from a Benfica defender, but the 27-year-old moved on from the injustice and doubled his team’s lead just over five minutes later.
Borna Barisic found Roofe after linking up crisply with Kamara down the left and the ex-Anderlecht star shifted the ball onto his right foot before sending an unstoppable effort into the top left corner from outside the box.
At that stage, the Gers looked well on their way to three points, but their opponents rallied in the final 15 minutes.
James Tavernier was unfortunate to put into his own net in the 78th minute, before substitute, Pizzi, found the top right corner with a fine finish from inside the area after sharp Benfica interplay.
Rangers have extended their unbeaten run to 22 matches but with Standard Liege defeating Lech Poznan in the group’s other game, they missed a golden opportunity to qualify for the Round of 32 with two games to spare.
