SAN FRANCISCO, November 27, (THEWILL) – Scottish giants Rangers conceded two late goals against Benfica for the second time in a month to draw 2-2 in Thursday’s UEFA Europa League clash at their Ibrox Stadium home in Glasgow.
The hosts were cruising at 3-1 in the first leg with 13 minutes to go, when they seemingly switched off and ended with a 3-3 that left both sides level on points in Group D.
It was déjà vu all over on Thursday in Glasgow as the visitors, who arrived without a number of players due to injury and suspension, fell behind inside seven minutes.
Right-back James Tavernier headed against the crossbar after winger Kemar Roofe’s header was well saved but Canadian forward Scott Arfield blazed the rebound home from 10 yards.
Benfica maintained possession well but did nothing to test Allan McGregor in the Rangers’ goal in a first half devoid of any real chances for the visitors.
Steven Gerrard’s charges had a penalty claim for handball against Belgian centre back Jan Vertonghen waved off. That was before they netted a second goal in the 69th minute. This time, Roofe thundered a powerful shot into the top corner after a smart team move.
However, warnings of a repeat of history materialised when substitute right back Goncalo Ramos forced in a close-range shot that hit Rangers skipper Tavernier and beat the keeper over the line into the net.
The previously quiet Rangers’ striker Alfredo Morelos had a 20-yard drive fumbled onto the bar by Benfica keeper Helton Leite and that proved a decisive moment as Benfica levelled up in the 81st minute. Connor Goldson’s attempted clearance fell to substitute right midfielder Pizzi, who lashed it into the roof of McGregor’s net.
The visitors’ late rally leaves both sides locked on eight points apiece at the top of Group D, with Lech Poznan and Standard Liege five points worse off.
Rangers return to their domestic League Cup final stage action with a trip to Falkirk on Sunday, while Benfica are away to Maritimo in the Portuguese Primeira Liga on Monday.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
