Simon Jordan delivers 'Dissatisfied' Rangers verdict at Benfica

Simon Jordan delivers 'dissatisfied' Rangers verdict v Benfica live on talkSPORT

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

Published on:

08 Mar 2024, 11:10 am

Simon Jordan has reacted live on air after Rangers drew 2-2 against Benfica in the Europa League round of 16 on Thursday 7 March.

Tom Lawrence's headed opener was cancelled out by an Angel Di Maria penalty before Dujon Sterling slammed home in added time during the first half.

A Connor Goldson own goal was the only goal in the second half, with the Gers travelling back to Ibrox with a draw, ready for the second leg on Thursday 14 March.

Speaking live via talkSPORT on Friday (8 March, 10:13am), Jordan said: "I think we have to focus on Rangers' achievement. Rangers were in a situation where they could have gone on to win the game.

"I'm a huge admirer of Clement, I think it's great for the Scottish Premiership that they're competing in Europe, in meaningful competitions.

"To go over there, and nearly come away with victory, they will probably be dissatisfied to get a draw against a team second in their league."

Can Philippe Clement lead Rangers to Europa League glory?

Having taken the lead twice against the Portuguese giants, Clement will probably be disappointed not to claim the win in Lisbon ahead of the second leg at Ibrox.

However, a draw is certainly not the worst outcome, as Premier League outfits Brighton & Hove Albion and West Ham United found out.

With the full backing of the Ibrox crowd in the return fixture, the Rangers squad will be confident that they can advance from the round of 16 and keep Benfica from ruining a brilliant journey so far.

Philippe Clement has been a huge success since taking over at Rangers

Despite losing their previous two matches, 2-1 to Sporting CP and 5-0 to FC Porto, Benfica are still a very dangerous side in Europe and were never underestimated ahead of the original tie.

Clement will remain wary of the upcoming reverse fixture, but should also feel a slight confidence going into the match, especially if they can overcome Hibernian in the Scottish Cup quarter-finals on Sunday 10 March.

In other Rangers news, the Light Blues are looking to add a sought-after ace on a free transfer as scouts descended on him.

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Rangers

Simon Jordan

Benfica

Philippe Clement