ian1964

Porto hard man Pepe admitted he was hugely impressed with Rangers after their superb Europa League display. Steven Gerrard's men returned to Glasgow with a hard-fought point which could easily have been three after an excellent showing in Portugal. And the 36-year-old, 106-times capped former Real Madrid stopper, was complimentary about the Ibrox side's performance at the Estadio do Dragao. He said: "We scored a good goal, but conceded before the interval. "We tried to respond in the second half. But Rangers are a team who are very strong on the counter-attack with very fast players. "I think the draw was a fair result because both teams had opportunities. "Perhaps if we had stayed ahead by the interval it could have been a different story. "At times, we took some risks by pushing men forward. But we were wary because Rangers were so strong and they were also very good in the air. "We knew Rangers were a good team. I think we worked as hard as possible and our team spirit was good too. "The group is very open and we knew it would be like that as soon as the draw was made. It has four very competitive teams. It will go right to the last game." And Porto goalscorer Luis Diaz was impressed with his Colombian international team-mate Alfredo Morelos after the Rangers in-form striker cancelled out his fantastic opener. He said: "Morelos had a great game and scored a good goal. But I thought we had enough opportunities to win. "We knew all about Rangers' quality before the game. They are very tough and they have quality players. "I think we showed the correct attitude though. It's a really tight group and we will have to play well to qualify." https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/sport/football/4877445/pepe-rangers-porto-very-strong-morelos-europa-league/

Rangers are better than Palace, I'm certain Morelos will know that as well

It was 1-1 draw ?

As I said in my early post there were numerous contenders for the MOTM, I thought the whole team were superb. SG has been criticised for his team selections in a few games this season, last night him and his backroom team got it spot on, players, formation, game plan was excellent, all he would have wanted was for his players to perform and they did. He is a very proud manager today.

A number of players could get this, Morelos is just class, Jack is playing his best football of his career, Davis seems to be getting better with age, McGregor double save at the end is taken for granted by some, Kamara worked tirelessly all night, however I am going with Barisic, the huge leap in form is fantastic to witness, especially as I was his biggest critic, that cross for the goal was world class, he had another one in the 2nd half which produced a good header from Morelos forcing a good save from their keeper. I should also mention our 2 CBs', Goldson was solid and Helander had his best match for us.

If he had tried to place his header to the far corner the ball would have hit the defender who was challenging him, watch it again, he could only do what he did.

CONNOR GOLDSON has condemned the Porto fans that pelted him and Alfredo Morelos with coins and lighters during Rangers’ Europa League draw last night. The Gers stars were targeted during their celebrations after Morelos netted a first half equaliser that earned Steven Gerrard’s side a point in the Estadio do Dragao. Morelos finished off a free-flowing move involving Ryan Kent and Borna Barisic and celebrated behind the goal. But the moment of joy turned sour as supporters launched objects towards the park and Goldson was seen reacting angrily to the shameful scenes. Rangers were unfortunate not to take all three points from the tough Group G clash but it was a night of mixed emotions for Goldson. He said: “It was a good result and a good performance. We have come to a stadium like this, playing against a good side, and we put in a good shift. I think we matched them equally for the whole game so it was very positive. “We knew before the game that if we wanted get out of the group then we needed some sort of result tonight. This keeps us in contention for that because qualifying for the next round is obviously our aim. “We have a good chance with two homes still to come so we just need to keep concentrated. “There were a lot of lighters and coins thrown on. Things were thrown and I got hit by a lighter and a coin. Big Buff got hit as well. “The referee just told me to stop and walk away. I picked up the lighter and the coin and told him but nothing got done. “It’s crazy. People come to watch a game of football. I can understand having a passion for your team but at the same time you are coming to watch us as athletes, trying to do the best for our own team. I don’t think that is acceptable. “At the time I lost my head a little bit. I got the coin and flung it at the board. But as a player there is nothing you can do. You just have to concentrate on your game because they are only trying to wind you up.” https://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/17992130.rangers-defender-connor-goldson-condemns-porto-fans-launched-coins-lighters-alfredo-morelos/?ref=twtrec

If McGregor made that save everyone would be shouting brilliant save, it was a good save from a good header

It is very difficult for any player to come in, especially in a high tempo away European match. Great performance all in tonight and might have sneaked the win, I must say I didn't fancy us tonight, so I am extra happy.

Every goal could be scrutinised as a mistake by the team who loses it! the wonder of football