Rangers have been fired a warning of Benfica’s attacking capabilities as the Portuguese club dismantle Portimonense 4-0.
The Liga Portugal leaders have been beaten once in the country’s top flight this season and continued their fine form with a second half masterclass in Lisbon.
Stalwart attacker Rafa Silva netted a double in the game, either side of goals from South American pair David Neres and Angel di Maria.
The Brazilian and Argentine winger options exemplify the firepower in the Benfica squad but Rangers will fancy their own chances in the Europa League Round of 16.
Rangers and Benfica set for Europa League cracker
Rangers themselves absolutely dismantled Hearts 5-0 to send a Scottish Premiership title message and flex the power of their own attacking options.
Cyriel Dessers netted twice whilst the club’s three new January signings – Mohamed Diomande, Oscar Cortes and Fabio Silva – all got on the scoresheet.
Whilst Colombian attacker Oscar Cortes isn’t in the Europa League squad, Rangers boast substantial options heading into the March double-header.
Striker Kemar Roofe also returned to the team in the demolition of Hearts – the striker netting the Group C winner v Real Betis – whilst Tom Lawrence has also emerged as a key player in recent weeks.
The fact Rangers dismantled the Jambos without six match-winning first-teamers speaks volumes about where the club’s frontline is currently at.
Fabio Silva is also a former Benfica youth player, which adds an extra dimension to the match.
Ibrox club criticise UEFA scheduling
In what promises to be one of the ties of the Europa League Round of 16, Rangers have expressed frustration over the scheduling of the Ibrox tie.
Whilst Rangers are set to face off in the Estadio de Luz at 8pm GMT in the first leg of proceedings, the second leg has been given a 5:45pm kick off time due to UEFA broadcasting commitments.
This obviously presents logistical difficulties for those Rangers fans who have to work and the club has expressed their bitter ‘disappointment’ at the situation.
The Gers claim the decision will “cause significant inconvenience and disruption to our supporters” and claim they “fully sympathise” with the Ibrox fans despite the situation being out of their control.
Ibrox is obviously a fortress for Rangers on European nights with Benfica likely celebrating what’s a minor victory before the games are even played.
That doesn’t mean that we don’t expect Ibrox to be filled to the brim for this match with Rangers fans everywhere expected to pack the ground out on 14th March.
Philippe Clement will also be laser-focused on the task at hand with no excuses allowed at Ibrox on the Belgian’s watch.
