Benfica 3-3 Rangers: Alfredo Morelos becomes all-time top scorer in Europe for Steven Gerrard’s side with strike in Lisbon but visitors are pegged back by 10 men with last-gasp leveller
- Rangers were dramatically held to a draw with Benfica after a late equaliser
- Connor Goldson scored an own goal in the first minute after Rafa Silva’s cutback
- Nicolas Otamendi was sent off and Rangers were level after another own goal
- Steven Gerrard’s team took the lead soon after through Glen Kamara’s strike
- Alfredo Morelos then became Rangers’ highest ever goalscorer with their third
Benfica mounted a dramatic late comeback to deny Rangers the chance of extending their winning start in the Europa League.
Despite the Scottish side leading against 10 men in the dying stages of the clash, goals from Rafa Silva and Darwin Nunez ensured the hosts gained a point.
An own goal from Connor Goldson got Steven Gerrard’s side off to the worst possible start in just the first minute, but Nicolas Otamendi’s straight red card soon proved to be a turning point.
Alfredo Morelos made history for Rangers but Benfica fought back late on to salvage a point
Glen Kamara netted a superb solo effort in a thrilling encounter in Lisbon which saw six goals
James Tavernier was released down the right flank and fired a low cross into the box on 24 minutes. Diogo Goncalves’ wild swipe at the ball saw him divert beyond Odysseas Vlachodimos for the second own goal of the evening.
Glen Kamara rounded off the comeback seconds later.
Alfredo Morelos picked out his team-mate on the left side of the area with an inch-perfect switch of play, and Kamara jinked inside cleverly before drilling inside the near post.
Morelos became Rangers’ all-time leading scorer in Europe after their third goal of the night
A stoppage time leveller from Darwin Nunez forced Rangers to settle for a share of the spoils
Nicolas Otamendi, the former Manchester City defender, was sent off for felling Ryan Kent
Steven Gerrard’s Rangers were on course for three wins from their three group stage matches
After the restart, Morelos turned from provider to scorer with a typical poacher’s finish. Another bursting sprint from Tavernier allowed him to tee up the frontman inside the box, who finished high into the net.
The effort saw him become Rangers’ record all-time goalscorer in Europe.
Silva, who teed up Benfica’s first with a clever ball in, then hauled the hosts back into the encounter despite the dominance of their opponents.
Darwin Nunez was afforded space to drift infield and pull back for Silva, who made no mistake from a matter of yards.
Nunez then fired home in stoppage time to salvage Benfica’s long-running unbeaten streak at home in the competition to earn the home side a share of the spoils.
Benfica took the lead in the first minute when Connor Goldson deflected in Rafa Silva’s cross
The hosts then pulled another goal back late on after Silva guided home a cutback from Nunez
SIlva celebrated with Jan Vertonghen after the hosts edged in front soon after the first whistle
Jorge Jesus, the Benfica boss, was left infuriated after watching his team gift away their lead
Morelos was unable to steer home Rangers’ third with the Scottish side dominating the game
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