Fernandez strike damages Gers

17 February 2011 22:30
Rangers were dealt a blow when Matias Fernandez grabbed a late leveller to deny them victory over Sporting Lisbon in the Europa League. Steven Whittaker - who netted a superb goal against the same team en-route to the UEFA Cup final three years ago - was on the scoresheet again but it was not enough to claim victory at Ibrox. After both sides enjoyed their fair share of chances, the Gers took the lead in the 66th minute when Whittaker rose above everyone else in the box to meet Vladimir Weiss' corner and dispatch a powerful header into the back of the net. Sporting could have levelled when former Rangers favourite Pedro Mendes tried his luck with a shot that was spilled by Allan McGregor. However, they did claim what could be a crucial away goal with a minute to go when substitute Fernandez met a cross from the right and bulleted a header past McGregor. The tie now hangs in the balance ahead of next week's second leg in Lisbon.

Source: PA