The lead in Group D was at stake when the top two sides met in the Europa League clash at Ibrox, just a few weeks since fighting out a 3-3 draw in Lisbon.
Steven Gerrard went with an attacking line-up – with only Steven Davis and Glen Kamara coming in for Ryan Jack and Joe Aribo to deviate from the weekend’s 4-0 win over Aberdeen.
But it was a case of deja vu for Rangers.
Here's how the players rated.
Scale - 10: One of the best performances you've seen. 9: Outstanding. 8: Very good. 7: Good. 6: Average. 5: Poor, 4: Very poor. 3: A terrible day at the office. 2: Abysmal. 1: One of the worst performances you've seen.
9. Scott Arfield - 9
On the spot to fire Rangers ahead and atone for conceding possession in Lisbon. The ideal co-pilot in support to everything Rangers did front and back, in magnificent form reminiscent of his first season at Ibrox. Photo: Ian MacNicol
10. Kemar Roofe - 8
Denied at the goal with a good effort in the first half and sometimes holds possession too long - but so he should when he finishes like he did for the second. Increasingly showing his class. Photo: Craig Foy - SNS Group
11. Alfredo Morelos - 7
This new Morelos, more withdrawn from goalscoring areas and holding up play is still capable of giving more. Hold up play was good and very unselfish with distribution but needs more from his movement to get between support positions and scoring ones. Close with second half blast off bar. Photo: RUSSELL CHEYNE
12. Steven Gerrard - 7
Got gameplan and selection right - but should he have been breaking up the momentum again late on with some changes? Some may think so and saw Benfica score lte again to deny Rangers a win, and group progress. Photo: Ian MacNicol