Rangers FC kicked off their Europa League campaign with a superb draw vs Villarreal away from home.
The Light Blues went behind in the first minute of the match courtesy of a Carlos Bacca goal and immediately it looked like an uphill task for Steven Gerrard’s side.
But the resilient Gers fought back and finally equalised through Scott Arfield in the 67th minute of the match only to fall behind two minutes later.
Still, Rangers fought back and scored a second thanks to summer signing Kyle Lafferty which ensured that Gerrard’s men flew back with a much-deserved point.
And manager Steven Gerrard was clearly thrilled with how his team performed during the match.
The manager said: “We have unbelievable quality. I asked them to just show a little more belief and confidence,
“But the second-half performance was very strong and we are a good team when we show it when we believe, and we can create chances against anyone.
Steven Gerrard's @RangersFC draw 2-2 at Villarreal 👏👏👏#UEL pic.twitter.com/jBTwAU83Tz
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) September 20, 2018
“It is a fantastic result and the message is watch the second half and start believing you are a very good team.
“We told them we are capable of hurting Villarreal and the other teams in the group.
“I’m not going to say we deserved to win the game but to come here and put a point on the board, I’d have certainly taken it. This, on paper, is probably the toughest test for us in the group.”
While the fans are happy with how Steven Gerrard urged his team to fight during the game there was one other gesture from the manager which won the hearts of everyone watching the game.
After the final whistle, Gerrard stood on the pitchside shaking the hand of every Villarreal player that was playing the game.
And this goes on to show why the former Liverpool midfielder is one of the loved English footballers of all time.
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