Teams don’t go to the Estadio da Luz and come away with wins very often, that Benfica had to rely on Rangers making a mistake to avoid defeat shows just how good a performance it was.
Gers boss Philippe Clement was disappointed not to take the win but was still clearly proud of his squad as they brought a score back to Ibrox that keeps the tie alive – if anything, his side are slight favourites.
It was the mistakes that cost Rangers against Benfica but if it wasn’t for Connor Goldson and John Souttar, the score line might not have been as favourable.
Benfica tie in balance thanks to under-fire Rangers pair
The duo have played a consistent run of games together and, in the main, have looked solid.
Aside from them having individual stinkers against Motherwell, they have rarely put a foot wrong.
Goldson hasn’t quite been at his usual levels at times this season, but he is still a key component of a defence that gives little away.
Souttar was heavily to blame for Motherwell’s early opener last week but he was hugely unlucky to concede a penalty against Benfica.
In fact, he was blameless because it was a blunder from the officials.
Yes, the ball hit his arm, but he headered it against it himself with the VAR team not giving the referee the best view of the incident.
Fans online were quick to throw this in with the mistake against Motherwell but they simply aren’t comparable.
Much like Connor Goldson’s own goal.
Rangers would have beaten Benfica if it hadn’t been for for the vice-captain’s intervention.
Having dealt with over 20 set plays throughout the night, it was soul destroying to see him head into his own net on a delivery that was heading through to Jack Butland or out for a goal kick.
Find me a defender that’s not scored an own goal and you’ll find one that hides when the going gets tough though.
Goldson and Souttar were culpable against Motherwell but, against Benfica, alongside Butland, they were a big reason why the tie is still alive for Rangers.
