Rangers were eliminated from the Europa League following a 1-0 defeat to Benfica at Ibrox, culminating in a 3-2 aggregate loss. Rangers' manager Philippe Clement, experiencing his first campaign leading a team to the last eight in a European competition, remained optimistic despite the exit, highlighting the team's growth and reasons to be proud. The decisive goal in the tie was scored by Rafa Silva. Rangers captain James Tavernier had previously noted an improvement in standards at the club ahead of the crucial match. Despite the disappointment, Clement and the players, including John Souttar who expressed devastation at the result, have been praised for their close contest with Benfica.
๐๏ธ Podcast: Stuart McCall and Steven Thompson discuss Rangers' disappointing defeat to Benfica at Ibrox. Plus Rangers boss Philippe Clement assesses the performance.
๐๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ฅ๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ญ๐ฌ ๐ Rangers 0-1 Benfica (2-3 agg) The Road to Dublin has ended for Rangers. ๐ @stuart__mcavoy https://t.co/Cm1eVxizYJ
John Souttar says Rangers are "devastated" after a 1-0 defeat to Benfica ended their Europa League hopes. #BBCFootball #UEL
๐ฃ๏ธ "As a Scottish club, we should be proud" Rangers manager Philippe Clement praises his side for running Benfica close in their Europa League last 16 tie. #BBCFootball #UEL https://t.co/0axX8wJ6he
"The team is still growing, we should be proud" ๐ต Philippe Clement had reasons to be positive despite Rangers exiting the Europa League after a 3-2 aggregate defeat to Benfica. https://t.co/PBn8NAXvVm
Rafa Silva knocks Rangers out of Europa League with decisive goal for Benfica https://t.co/6BYAHwwNxc
Rangers are out of Europe. Reaction coming up... โคต๏ธ #BBCFootball #UEL https://t.co/I5HH30lQjP
We still await a breakthrough at Ibrox as the Europa League tie remains level. Follow our live coverage โคต๏ธ #BBCFootball #UEL
๐ฃ๏ธ "It's the small details that the gaffer imprints" Rangers captain James Tavernier details the rise in standards at Ibrox ahead of their Europa League showdown with Benfica tonight. #BBCFootball https://t.co/5uxbmCEd0I
'Thanks for reminding me, that's a new one' ๐ Rangers boss Philippe Clement has never managed a team to the last eight in European competition, but that could all change should his side beat Benfica on Thursday at Ibrox to make the Europa League quarter-finals. #BBCFootball https://t.co/6DjJMGIRs0