Gerrard: A Big Opportunity Missed

STEVEN GERRARD feels Rangers missed an opportunity to take maximum points in Lisbon as Benfica scored a late injury time equaliser in the Europa League.

Despite going a goal down inside the first few minutes of the match, Rangers responded well with Glen Kamara, Alfredo Morelos and an own goal giving the Light Blues a 3-1 lead.

However, two late goals from the hosts saw the points shared in Group D.

Speaking at his post-match press conference, Gerrard said: “It is a big opportunity missed to win the game and to take maximum points.

“We started poorly and conceded a poor goal and then obviously the red card helped us a lot and we played some really good football to get ourselves 3-1 in front.

“To draw the game from that position is very disappointing.

“I think it was a matter of game management, I don't think we managed the game well at all at 3-1, certainly out of possession.

“We just needed to keep good positions, control and order on the pitch but we lost control and we have ourselves to blame.

“We conceded two poor goals and we also missed two or three big chances at the other end so we got what we deserved. At 3-1 we didn't do enough to get over the line.”

The Gers controlled large spells of this evening’s match, with the manager praising some of the football shown at times by his side.

However, Gerrard was frustrated with the latter stages of the game.

He continued: “I think from being 1-0 down and then after the red card some of the football was scintillating.

“It was fantastic, free flowing and we deserved at least three goals.

“I think Ryan will be disappointed with his moment and Tav when he has overrun the touch but that wasn't the important thing at 3-1.

“The important thing was more order on the pitch, to have people in better positions, people making the right decisions and to be more aggressive out of possession, while still respecting Benfica because they are a good side.

“We switched off at important times in the match and we paid for it. "

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