In order to secure a result against Benfica that would maintain the tie, Rangers would always require a little bit of luck.
The goal was always to take the Portuguese powerhouses back to Ibrox with a chance to go to the quarterfinals, as Gers manager Philippe Clement is never one to back down from a challenge.
We also needed the referee to give us a favor, and Rangers have someone who has done so in the past in Tobias Stieler. However, has he supported us against Benfica, the big boys?
The first time was against Alashkert in Armenia where he sent one of the home sides players off and the second was against Ajaz away in the Champions League.
The less said about that game the better.
What Stieler is though, is an experienced referee at this level of European competitoin and there is a reason why he consistently gets to officiate in the knockout rounds of both the Champions League and Europa League.
Stieler, in the early stages, was keen to let things flow and anything other than obvious fouls were waved on – for both sides.
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