Rangers' Europa League Hopes Dashed in Lisbon
Defeat to Benfica Ends Scottish Club's European Adventure
Rangers' Europa League campaign came to an abrupt end on Wednesday evening as Rafa Silva's breakaway goal condemned the Scottish giants to a 2-1 defeat in the second leg of their last-16 tie against Benfica.
Despite taking an early lead through James Tavernier, Rangers were unable to hold on to their advantage and conceded twice before the break. Silva's well-taken goal proved to be the decisive moment, as Rangers failed to find an equalizer in the second half.
The defeat in Lisbon marks a disappointing end to Rangers' European campaign this season. After finishing runners-up in last year's tournament, Giovanni van Bronckhorst's side were hoping to make another deep run into the competition. However, they were outplayed by a Benfica team that was more clinical and composed on the night.
Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst was left to rue his team's missed opportunities after the match. "We had chances to win the game, but we didn't take them," he said. "We're very disappointed with the result, but we need to learn from this and come back stronger next season."
Benfica, meanwhile, will now face Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk in the quarterfinals. The Portuguese club will be confident of their chances of progressing further in the competition, having now won their last three matches in the Europa League.
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