PORTUGALLING

Gers see another two-goal lead slip against Lisbon giants

RANGERS suffered another late collapse against Benfica as Steven Gerrard’s side missed out on the chance to plant one foot in the Europa League’s last 32.

Gerrard’s men looked to be on course for a famous scalp in what would have been the Ibrox club’s 150th European win after Scott Arfield and Kemar Roofe put them ahead.

But just as they did in Lisbon three weeks ago, Gers failed to hold onto their lead and were forced to settle for a point.

Goncalo Ramos and Pizzi climbed off the bench to snatch a point for the Portuguese giants with two goals in three minutes.

It should have been a special night for Allan Mcgregor as he made his 82nd European appearance for the Ibrox outfit – equalling Barry Ferguson’s club record.

And Gerrard’s team struck the opening blow in the seventh minute.

Borna Barisic retrieved the ball, played a one-two with Alfredo Morelos before picking out Roofe with a pinpoint cross.

Helton Leite pulled off a wonder save to deny the striker’s header while James Tavernier headed the rebound back off the bar. But the pinball sequence was finally ended when Arfield fired home through Jardel’s legs. Everton came close

Scott Arfield gets Rangers rolling with his seventh minute opener last night

for the visitors as he drove in from the left and fired over yet Gers had seldom little else to worry before the break.

Rangers thought they should have had a penalty after 63 minutes as Roofe’s cross struck Jan Vertonghen’s hands but referee Radu Petrescu played on.

But Roofe was celebrating six minutes later as he rif led Rangers to within touching distance of the knockout rounds. Barisic was again involved as he ran onto Glen Kamara’s backheel before playing inside and former Leeds and Anderlecht man Roofe took advantage as he fizzed the ball past Leite.

But Rangers were suddenly having f lash backs off their late collapse in Lisbon as Benfica pulled one back after 78 minutes.

Seferovic could only kick at fresh air but Ramos was on the spot to bundle home off Tavernier.

Morelos thought he had made the points safe but Leite got lucky as he palmed his shot up into the air and watched as it bounced off the bar.

Benfica’s comeback was complete a minute later.

Silva slotted the ball into Ramos in the box and his clever backheel laid the ball on a plate for

Pizzi to lash home.