It was a special night at Ibrox this evening as Rangers Women welcomed Benfica in their Champions League Round 2 first leg match.
The Portuguese side stand in the way Rangers progressing to the groups of the Women's Champions League for the very first time. Malky Thomson's side have already made history by reaching Round 2 of the UEFA competition for the first time, but they are hoping the triumphs will not stop there. To The SWPL champions went into tonight's clash full of momentum, topping the domestic table with five wins from five so far this season scoring a whopping 35 goals without conceding in their opening games.
But with an Ana Vitoria double and an Esson own goal, it is Benfica who take a one goal advantage home with them.
It was Kayla McCoy who sent Ibrox mad opening the scoring for the hosts against the run of play after 25 minutes with a powerful heading after Brogan Hay put a curling cross into the Benfica box.
And there was more pressure form Rangers to follow after the first goal settled the home side. But the 38th minute saw the visitors level things after a neat-one two let Ana Vitoria charge into the left of the box before slotting home past Rangers keeper Victoria Esson at the near post.
Malky Thomson's side were forced to hold on tight until the half time whistle, but it was even at the break.
It took Benfica just 12 minutes to get themselves in front in the second 45 when Ana Vitoria netted a second to leave Rangers trailing. It was another superb finish after Andreia Norton's ball was pulled down by the striker, who took a touch before her left foot strike flew into the top corner.
Kayla McCoy said 'anything you can do I can do better' just one minute later though as the Light Blues striker levelled things up again with her second goal of the clash, drilling a low effort into the far corner.
Victoria Esson between the sticks kept the hosts in it with a great save moments later, but it was a nightmare for the keeper in the 78th minute after what looked like a simple catch from a corner didn't go to plan with the ball carried over the line.
The closing stages were filled with lots of Benfica pressure, but just one goal separated the sides at time.
Rangers Women have it all to do next week as they travel to Portugal for the second leg, but it is still all to play for in the tie.
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