Benfica host Rangers at Estadio da Luz in the first leg of their Round of 16 tie in 2023-24 UEFA Europa League.
Benfica scraped past Toulouse in their knockout play-off whilst Rangers topped Group C to bypass the knockout play-offs.
Team News
Alexander Bah is a doubt for Benfica after he missed their Primeira Liga defeat to Porto with an unspecified injury.
Juan Bernat (muscle) remains ruled out.
Rangers could be without Ross McCausland after he suffered an unspecified injury during their shock Scottish Premiership defeat to Motherwell.
Rabbi Matondo (muscle), Oscar Cortes, Todd Cantwell (both hamstring), Kieran Dowell (knock), Abdallah Sima (thigh) and Danilo Pereira (knee) remain absent.
When is Kick-Off?
Benfica host Rangers at Estadio da Luz on Thursday 7 March at 9pm CET (8pm UK Time), live on TNT Sports 1 in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Benfica have drawn each of their two previous meetings against Rangers (D2), which coincidentally came in this very competition in the group stage of 2020-21 edition.
- Rangers drew 3-3 in their only previous visit to Benfica in November 2020, during which they came from behind to lead 3-1 before they conceded two late goals.
- Both teams had five different goal scorers across their two previous meetings – of which both teams netted one own goal apiece.
- Benfica have won one of their four home games in UEFA competitions this season (W1, D1, L2).
- Rangers picked up nine bookings in their three away games in the group stage.
Prediction
Unbeaten since mid-November, Benfica have lost their last two matches including a ruthless defeat at Porto so a response is needed here if they’re to build a first-leg lead especially given their away form in Europe this season.
Rangers meanwhile saw their unbeaten start to 2024 ended by a shock home loss to Motherwell which lacked their usual quality amidst continued squad rotation, particularly at a time when consistency is key to building momentum so a settled starting line-up is needed if they are to properly fight for victory here.
A good start is therefore imperative for both teams especially after their two previous clashes proved to be thrillers but I do expect this to be much tighter.
Prediction: Benfica 1-1 Rangers
Result: Benfica 2-2 Rangers