Rangers: Ally McCoist slams ‘unacceptable’ John Lundstram for what he did v Benfica at Ibrox
Ally McCoist slammed Rangers midfielder John Lundstram for allowing Angel Di Maria to get in behind him during the loss to Benfica.
Lundstram initially gave away possession and was then out of position as Benfica got forward, but they could not finish off the chance.
The Portuguese visitors went on to win Thursday’s (14 March) Europa League last-16 second leg 1-0 to advance 3-2 on aggregate.
Speaking on TNT Sports’ live coverage of the game, McCoist said [14 March, 6:24pm]: “I don’t mind Lundstram giving the ball away – he takes his mind off it and it’s accidental.
“But this bit after it is unacceptable. You cannot allow Di Maria get in there – that’s impossible; can’t happen.”
Rangers crash out of Europa League at hands of Benfica
Lundstram has been superb this season but did not have his finest evening for Rangers, though nor did any home player on a disappointing day.
Rafa Silva scored a breakaway goal in the second half – always the most likely way Benfica would score – as the Gers crashed out of Europe.
There were too many individual errors, while the set-up of the team meant the opposition could regularly get in behind.
Rangers did the hard work by earning a 2-2 draw in the first leg, but they just could not see the job through on home soil.
It is a hugely disappointing outcome for Philippe Clement, but a domestic treble is still on for the season.
If that is to be achieved, lessons need to be learned from this chastening defeat at Ibrox.
In other Rangers news, Chris Sutton named Todd Cantwell on a damning list that also included Cristiano Ronaldo.
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