The Rangers’ journey in the Europa League came to a halt when Rafa Silva’s breakaway goal propelled Benfica into the quarter-finals following yet another exhilarating match at Ibrox.
Silva dashed onto Angel di Maria’s second-half knockdown, swiftly evading Mohamed Diomande to strike past Jack Butland, catching Rangers off guard after their own corner.
Initially deemed offside, Silva’s goal was later validated by a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review, confirming he had remained just within his own half before executing a masterful finish, quieting the uproarious stadium.
Rangers struggled to mount a comeback as Roger Schmidt’s team expertly managed the game, securing their advancement.
Before kickoff, Ibrox resonated with anticipation for the possibility of another Europa League quarter-final, which would have marked their second in three seasons, stirring up Rangers supporters.
The match unfolded as a captivating spectacle between evenly matched sides, especially until the 66th-minute goal.
Benfica seized the initiative in terms of chances, with Rafa Silva exploiting Rangers’ vulnerability on the counterattack from corners, a factor that ultimately proved decisive. Despite his inviting low cross, Marcos Leonardo failed to convert the opportunity.
While Rangers asserted their home advantage by maintaining possession, they remained vulnerable defensively, almost conceding again when David Neres set up Leonardo, who couldn’t find the target with his header.
After a corner of their own, Silva raced onto Angel di Maria’s second-half knockdown, dodging Mohamed Diomande to score past Jack Butland and taking the Rangers by surprise.
After Silva’s goal was initially called offside, a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review confirmed he had stayed barely inside his own half before completing a brilliant finish that calmed the boisterous stadium.
As Roger Schmidt’s squad skillfully handled the game to secure their advancement, the Rangers found it difficult to make a comeback.
Rangers fans were excited before the game because they thought they may make it to another Europa League quarterfinal, which would have been their second in three seasons.
Up until the goal in the 66th minute, the match between evenly matched teams was a compelling sight.
In terms of opportunities, Benfica took the lead, and Rafa Silva’s ability to take advantage of Rangers’ weakness on the counterattack from corners proved to be the deciding factor in the end. Marcos Leonardo created a tempting low cross, but he was unable to take advantage of it.
Rangers held possession to keep their home advantage, but they were still a weak defensive unit, coming dangerously close to losing when David Neres set up Leonardo, whose header missed the mark.
Once more, Rangers fell victim to a counterattack following a corner kick. Rafa Silva passed to Fredrik Aursnes, who then directed it to substitute Casper Tengstedt. Tengstedt, in a prime position to score, unfortunately directed his shot directly at Butland.
Nonetheless, Benfica seized the opportunity, with Silva narrowly avoiding an offside call to clinch victory.
Following their goal, Benfica controlled the game, thwarting Rangers’ attacks while also threatening to extend their lead.