Rangers: 3/10 Cyriel Dessers awful, Mohamed Diomande shines – Player ratings v Benfica
Rangers battled to a hard-fought 2-2 draw with Benfica in Lisbon in their Europa League round of 16 first leg on Thursday 7 March.
Tom Lawrence gave his team the lead after just seven minutes of the game before a controversial penalty call gave Angel Di Maria the equaliser from the spot, and minutes later it was Dujon Sterling who put Gers in front before half-time.
A second-half own-goal from Connor Goldson drew the hosts level and set up a nervous end to the game for Rangers as they struggled to hold on to the result but a strong defensive display earned the draw.
Ibrox News rated the players out of 10 below…
Jack Butland – 8
A top performance from the Rangers goalkeeper despite conceding two goals. He has been the subject of plenty of praise and speculation surrounding a possible England call-up, and based on that display, Gareth Southgate had better be paying attention.
With four saves and two high claims to his name, he played an important role in keeping his team in the game for long periods. [Sofascore]
James Tavernier – 7
An outstanding block to deny David Neres was his standout moment in the game shortly after half-time as he flung himself in front of the shot from about 12 yards out.
A proper captain’s performance as he got up and down the right flank and made some crucial defensive contributions.
Connor Goldson – 4
A shocking own goal which came from a lack of communication between the centre-backs cost Rangers what would have been an excellent away win in Europe. Aside from this, it was an okay display, but it’s hard to look past the part he played in the draw.
John Souttar – 5
A massively controversial penalty decision went against him and he can consider himself unlucky in that respect. Headed the ball onto his arm but there was no intention there – in Scotland and England that one doesn’t get given.
Ridvan Yilmaz – 7
It was always going to be a difficult task for Yilmaz to deal with Di Maria and that proved to be the case. He was sloppy in possession at times and got caught up the field more than once by the World Cup winner.
However, with three blocks, two clearances and two tackles, he contributed hugely to an overall solid defensive display. [Sofascore]
John Lundstram – 6
Looked knackered by the end of the game but it came as no surprise given the amount of running he gets through during the game. Played his usual important role in the middle of the park but not as effectively as he would have hoped.
Mohammed Diomande – 9
A brilliant clipped cross into the box saw Rangers take the lead after just seven minutes, and it was his energy in midfield both going forward and defensively that helped Clement’s team keep the pressure on their opponents. He simply never stopped.
Dujon Sterling – 8
Timed his run into the box expertly as he was in the right place at the right time to tap in Rangers’ second goal and the first of his professional career. Clement’s choice to play him further forward paid off when it had been suggested he could be deployed in a deeper position.
Tom Lawrence – 8
It was his goal that gave Rangers the lead within ten minutes in what was a perfect start away from home. His energy in the final third proved crucial to their attacking play in a more advanced role behind Cyriel Dessers.
Fabio Silva – 9
Played a key part in both Rangers goals despite not picking up a goal contribution for either of them thanks to a deflection on his cross-come-shot which fell to Sterling, but it was a fantastic display from the Portuguese against his former club.
Cyriel Dessers – 3
Had very little impact on the game going forward, although his hold-up play did help the Ibrox club get players up the pitch and provided respite from their defensive work in the first half.
With just eight passes completed, a zero per cent ground duel success rate and losing the ball eight times, it was a throwback to his shocking performances earlier in the season. [Sofascore]
Subs
Kemar Roofe – 5
Ryan Jack – 6
Cole McKinnon – 5
Nico Raskin – 6
Ross McCausland – N/A
In other Rangers news, Chris Jack has shared an Abdallah Sima transfer update.
For more Rangers news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.