Benfica and Rangers played out a thrilling game on Thursday (7/3), in the first leg of the last 16 of the Europa League. At the Estadio da Luz, with 48,759 in attendance, the Benfica players twice found themselves behind, but at least managed to draw. For the Scots, the goals came from Lawrence and Dujon Sterling. For Benfica, Di María scored from the penalty spot and Goldson scored an own goal.
All is now well and truly open for next Thursday’s match (14/3) in Glasgow. Whoever wins advances to the quarter-finals. Another draw, extra time and penalties.
See the Europa League fixtures here
Benfica press, shoot a lot but only draw
Benfica started badly, putting the pressure on and seeing Rangers go ahead after seven minutes. Diomande crossed and Lawrence, unmarked, headed the ball into the net. From then on, Benfica’s pressure began to mount. Arthur Cabral had the chance to equalize, but missed. David Neres had a shot that Butland saved with his foot. However, in the 44th minute, Souttar tried to clear the ball and it hit his arm. The referee went to the VAR and awarded the penalty. Argentinian veteran Di Maria hit the ball low to his left to make it all square. However, in stoppage time, the Benfica defense made a mistake with a cross from the left and Dujon Sterling just tapped it into the empty net. Rangers were once again in the lead.
In the second half, Benfica came back willing to kill or be killed. They had several chances, but to no avail until the 22nd minute. In a free-kick from the right taken by Di María, the defense missed. Goldson, under no pressure, cut in and scored an own goal. All square. And Benfica were on top. However, despite the addition of ex-Santos player Marcos Leonardo to the attack, the shots weren’t on target. So even with 69% possession and 24 shots against nine from Rangers, the home side had to settle for a draw.
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