John Souttar says his Rangers teammates are 'devastated' to exit the Europa League after a narrow 1-0 defeat at Ibrox against Benfica.

Philippe Clement's side were unable to respond to Rafa Silva's deciding goal - scored following a Rangers corner - having earned a 2-2 draw in the reverse tie at the Stadium of Light last week.

While conceding that Benfica's quality was obvious and his side competed well, Souttar's mood was one of deflation talking after the match.

"As you can imagine we've just been knocked out of Europe so it wasn't great," he said on the dressing room mood following Benfica's win.

"It's fresh so the boys are gutted with the effort put in over two legs. Both teams had chances and especially on the ball, we played well tonight. On another night we could've come out with it but goals win games and unfortunately, they've taken theirs and we didn't."

Rangers controlled plenty of the ball at a rain-soaked Ibrox while struggling to create many clear-cut opportunities. Silva's goal just after the hour mark decided a tight game to send Roger Schmidt's side into the last eight.

"They're a top side and we can't forget that. I'm sure in the coming days when we look back it will feel better. Just now it's raw and fresh," Souttar added, with his side returning to league action in under 72 hours with a trip to face Dundee.

"Maybe in a few days [it will give us more motivation] but just now it's a sore one for the boys. Nights like tonight you want to go through and win. There were moments we could've but goals win games.

"There's a lot of positives at the club just now but as the manager said he wants to win every game. It's not a case of 'We did well and took part against Benfica'. The boys are devastated in there.

"We wanted to go all the way in this competition as well as the other ones. It's a sore one tonight. In the next few days, we'll think of it more and take it from there."