Jorge Jesus admits ten-man Benfica struggled to deal with a ‘quality’ Rangers side containing James Tavernier and Borna Barisic, before Darwin Nunez inspired a dramatic Europa League comeback at the Estadio da Luz, while speaking to O Jogo.
There was a moment early in the second half, just after Alfredo Morelos had broken Ally McCoist’s European record and put Rangers 3-1 up in Lisbon, when you would be forgiven for wondering if Steven Gerrard’s side were on the verge of a truly iconic victory.
The Gers were playing with such a swagger and a confidence that, with an hour on the clock, it would have been no surprise if they scored a fourth, a fifth or even a sixth on the hallowed turf of a bona fide continental giant.
Nicolas Otamendi’s early red card for a foul on Ryan Kent had Benfica looking dead in the water, with Morelos’s strike adding to a first-half Diogo Goncalves own goal and Glen Kamara’s first competitive strike in a year.
But then came the sting in the tail.
Inspired by substitute Darwin Nunez, Benfica pulled one back from Rafa Silva before the so-called ‘new Cavani’ channelled his fellow Uruguayan to slot home in stoppage time after Rangers’ defence switched off at the worst possible time.
Jorge Jesus was left breathing an almighty sigh of relief after Benfica snatched a draw that absolutely no one saw coming.
“It was a difficult game, but the Benfica players are to be congratulated,” the veteran boss said, singling out full-back James Tavernier and Borna Barisic for praise.
“This Rangers team has quality, we knew they were going to play with us. We scored the own goal, then the 1-2 and emotionally and tactically we were lost. With less than one player, everything is different.
“We were leaving the side runners uncovered, Rangers have two great full-backs in my opinion, and play in a very aggressive and different 4-3-3.
“With the arrival of Darwin, and he was practically alone against the two central defenders, we reached 2-3 and then 3-3. Today there were two or three players who demonstrated a champion’s belief.”
Steven Gerrard was understandably devastated to miss out on a famous win but Rangers still deserve so much credit after a performance befitting of an accomplished, top-level European side.
Tavernier set up two goals from right-back while Ryan Jack, Kamara and Steven Davis were all superb on the night.
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