Benfica wash Rangers away as Mr Enigma of Ibrox leaves more questions than answers – 5 talking points

Rangers fans unfurled the banner with the bus to Dublin – but Philippe Clement’s men 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 Gers corner. And the single goal killed the Light Blues dream of going all the way to the Final in Ireland’s capital.

Gers were left kicking themselves at getting caught out having bossed large spells in the game on a wet and wild night in Govan. There wasn’t much between the sides in a high-paced first half that was engrossing but low on clear cut chances. But it was Rangers who were on the front foot in the second period – with Dessers close with a deflected effort and then almost forcing his marker into turning into his own net.

Benfica still posed a threat and they caught the hosts cold on 66 minutes – from their own corner kick. Clement was running the risk of leaving space at the back all night and they paid a heavy price when Silva managed to just remain in his half long enough to stay onside before speeding through to finish.

The flag went up originally – and Gers seemed to expect him to be off – but VAR rubber stamped the goal and left Clement’s side with an uphill task.

Kemar Roofe, Rabbi Matondo and Todd Cantwell were chucked on for the fightback, but Gers couldn’t find a way through as Benfica sat deep to see it out. Here's five talking points from a rain-lashed Ibrox:

Rangers caused plenty of problems from corner kicks – but mainly to themselves. Clement pushed players up into the Benfica box but there were a couple of warnings when the visitors won the ball and sprung out. But they were not heeded as the opening goal came from another Gers corner as Silva sprung the offside