Rangers score twice in a minute as ex-Man City star Nicolas Otamendi receives RED CARD in Europa League match

Rangers’ Europa League campaign is just going from strength to strength.

But it’s unlikely they’ll be involved in a more crazy half of football this season, with Steven Gerrard’s men 2-1 up at Benfica.

Rangers have are closing in on a maximum nine points from their opening three Europa League matchesGetty Images - Getty

Things didn’t start well for Gers in Portugal though as they found themselves a goal behind inside the first minute with Connor Goldson turning the ball into his own net.

But the clash at the Estadio Da Luz completely changed just before the 20-minute mark as Benfica centre-back Nicolas Otamendi was shown a straight red card.

The former Manchester City star was given his marching orders after bringing down Ryan Kent, who was through on goal.

And five minutes after that, the game was turned on its head.

Otamendi was sent off and the Rangers charge begunGetty Images - GettyA red card in a Rangers match and it’s not been given to Alfredo Morelos. These are strange times…Getty Images - Getty

Rangers got level thanks to an own goal by Diogo Goncalves before Glen Kamara put the Scottish side ahead on the next attack with a neat near-post finish.

Alfredo Morelos made it 3-1 on 51 minutes. This is the Colombian’s seventh goal of the season.

Rangers are looking good to reach the knockout stageGetty Images - Getty

Gerrard’s side have made a blistering start to the season having won their opening two Europa League group matches against Standard Liege and Lech Poznan.

They’re also flying high domestically as they are top of the Scottish Premiership with a nine-point cushion, albeit having played two more matches than second-placed Celtic.

There’s still a long way to go before Rangers can properly think about preventing the Hoops winning ten league titles in a row but right now they’re showing that heroics in Lisbon isn’t just for Celtic.