Benfica boss Jorge Jesus believes Rangers are "not a big team in Europe" but slammed his players for underestimating them.
The Ibrox club took a 2-0 lead in Thursday's Europa League clash, but conceded twice late on to draw 2-2.
It was a similar story to the first leg where Steven Gerrard 's side held a 3-1 lead over the 10 men of Benfica, only to throw it away in the dying minutes.
And Jesus believes his side didn't show enough until they were two goals behind, underestimating the challenge posed by Rangers.
He said: "We weren't just playing against any team, I don't want to make Rangers out to be some little team.
"They're not a big team in Europe, of course, but we have to realise that the opposition will also come to play and have value. Last year they beat two of the best teams in our league.
"We knew it would be a difficult game, they scored two goals with both their shots on goal. We returned to having what is very important, in addition to technique and tactics - we showed soul and heart at 2-0.
"With a win we'd practically have qualified but we took a step closer with this draw.
"Congratulations to the players for the way they managed to change the result.
"Unlike the last game, all the changes served to improve the team and we were rewarded with a draw, which, given what happened on the pitch, we'll take."
