Rangers lavished with Europa League praise but Hotline spots 3 weak links threatening imminent domestic collapse

Rangers saw their Euro journey hit the buffers against Benfica on Thursday and Hotline callers were split on whether the result might derail their title bid too.

A 3-2 aggregate defeat to the Portuguese champions was no disgrace. But some fear it has shone a light on a lack of quality in key areas. Starting with the positives and John Bruce emailed: “Valiant Rangers failed to overcome European giants Benfica but only by way of a penalty, an OG and a marginally offside goal. With a severely depleted squad, Philippe Clement has accomplished minor miracles. Once again the club has solely carried the burden of Scotland's European coefficient to the benefit of others. Now Clement can focus on his main target - the domestic treble.”

Joe Graham, Garrowhill, said: “I thought Rangers were so unlucky to go out of Europe. I still think the goal against them was offside but that is the controversial VAR situation and we have to accept it. However, leaving the Europa League must now be a big advantage. Treble and league title has always been the priority so it is onward we go and achieve what we deserve.” John Scott, Grassmoor, added: “Sad though it is to see a Scottish team go out of Europe, the defeat did at least show exactly why the assistant referee does not raise his flag until the move is completed. The Benfica player was NOT offside, but under the old rules he would have been flagged and denied a goal scoring opportunity.”

Jamie Thompson, Yoker, said: “Rangers did well to reach last 16 but quality will always win games. Roofe, Matondo and a few others have to go in summer.”

Rick Hart emailed: “Unless Rangers drop Dessers now they will have no chance of winning the title. He runs around like a headless chicken. He should