Rangers could be confirmed as UEFA Europa League Group D winners tonight if they defeat Standard Liege at Ibrox and another result goes their way.
The Gers have accumulated eight points thus far courtesy of a 2-0 win over Standard in Liege, a 1-0 triumph over Lech Poznan at Ibrox and a pair of draws with Benfica.
Those results leave them level on points with the Portuguese giants, while the other two clubs are off the pace on three apiece.
It may seem strange that the Gers currently sit above Benfica in the table, given that Jorge Jesus’ side possesses superior goal difference.
However, if two teams are level on points during the group stages, their head-to-head record is used to split them. Rangers drew 3-3 with Benfica in Lisbon before drawing 2-2 at Ibrox last week.
With the two clubs winning the same number of points, having the same goal difference and scoring the same number of goals across those two games, the Gers are top because they found the net three times in the away fixture while Benfica only scored twice at Ibrox [UEFA].
This rule ensures that as long as Rangers match the number of points won by their rivals over the final two matches, they will finish ahead of them in the group.
More pressingly, it means that Steven Gerrard’s men could be named group winners tonight.
If Rangers defeat Standard Liege by any scoreline and Benfica lose at home to Lech Poznan by any scoreline, the Ibrox club will be in an unassailable position at the top of the table.
