FC Porto defender Pepe plots revenge after 2005 loss against Rangers

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FC Porto defender Pepe is still hurting from the loss against Rangers back in 2005, The Daily Record reports.

Ahead of the clash between Porto and Rangers in the Europa League, Pepe thinks back to September 2005. Rangers beat Porto 3-2 with goals from Peter Lovenkrands, Dado Prso and Sotirios Kyrgiakos.

Pepe scored both of Porto’s goals that night despite being a central defender. But his impressive individual performance was no consolation for the loss that night. 14 years on, Pepe recalls that night and now wants revenge.

The 108-cap Portugal defender said (via The Daily Record): “I have played against Rangers before and they’re never an easy rival. I remember the matches in 2005. I scored two goals in Scotland but still suffered a defeat. Now, I have the chance to change that and I’d accept a win, without a goal for myself!”

TBR’s view

Pepe will be spurred on by that night in Glasgow back in 2005. 14 years later, the experienced defender is now 36 and he will need to use his nous to keep the Rangers attack quiet.

Jermain Defoe and Alfredo Morelos have both been in form this season and will be looking to hurt Porto. The Portuguese side will be the favourites to win this group but Rangers can make a statement on Thursday night.