Benfica manager Jorge Jesus has praised Rangers pair James Tavernier and Borna Barisic for their performances in the 3-3 draw between the two clubs last night.
The Portuguese side battled from 3-1 down with ten men to secure a point, but Jesus was complimentary about their opponents, stating he holds the two Rangers players in high regard:
“This Rangers team has quality, we knew they were going to play with us. We scored the own goal, then the 1-2 and emotionally and tactically we were lost. With less than one player, everything is different. We were leaving the side runners uncovered, Rangers have two great full-backs in my opinion, and play in a very aggressive and different 4-3-3.”
It was disappointing to concede the two-goal lead but Rangers can still hold their heads up high in terms of the performance. Jesus was also certainly right to highlight the displays of Tavernier and Barisic.
The Gers captain got two assists on the night, meaning he has now created eight goals in all competitions this season. With 10 goals in 19 appearances as well, the 29-year-old is in fine form.
Barisic, meanwhile, has played 17 games this campaign, scoring once and contributing a very impressive seven assists. The duo will undoubtedly prove pivotal players if the Light Blues go on to win the Premiership title and progress far in the Europa League.
