FIVE TALKING POINTS

RANGERS fans unfurled a banner with the bus to Dublin – but the Ibrox side hit a Europa League dead end against Benfica. Rafa Silva struck in the second half when the Portuguese big guns sped out on the counter attack from a Rangers corner. They were left kicking themselves at getting caught out after bossing large spells in the game on a wet and wild night in Govan. And the single goal killed the Light Blues dream of going all the way to the final in Ireland’s capital.

RANGERS BACKED INTO THE CORNER

RANGERS caused plenty of problems from corner kicks but mainly to themselves.

Clement pushed players up into the Benfica box but were caught out all too often and ultimately lost this tie as Silva sprung the offside trap from a Rangers set-piece.

HIGH PRESS FOR CLEMENT’S MEN

RANGERS boss Philippe Clement didn’t park the bus in Portugal and he put his foot to the pedal in the second leg in Glasgow.

It was a bold strategy to press Benfica high up the pitch and a lot of Rangers chances came from winning the ball high up the pitch.

DESSERS IS AN IBROX ENIGMA

CYRIEL DESSERS remains a player who can mystify at times. He only managed five touches in the first half – and few more in the second.

Yet he could have helped himself to a goal or two. An offside flag spared his blushes when he should have buried a golden chance.

BACK JACK FOR ENGLAND CALL-UP

JACK BUTLAND was gutted to miss out on an England call when it looked certain Gareth Southgate was going to be on the blower.

The Gers No.1 didn’t seem too down in the dumps against Benfica though and he surely can’t be far off a Three Lions summons.

STRUCK BY THE TOUCH OF ANGEL

IT WASN’T the kind of night for ballers but Argentina legend Angel di Maria certainly had a bash.

He may now be 36 but the World Cup winner still has a turn of pace and an exquisite touch.

He produced a few moments of quality at a rain-lashed Ibrox.