Europa League action returns for Rangers as the club seek another memorable run in UEFA’s second tier competition.
And it all starts against Portuguese giants Benfica after both sides qualified for the last 16 stage via differing circumstances. Rangers topped Europa League Group C with 11 points following a dramatic final day 3-2 win in Seville against Real Betis.
While Benfica – who sit second in the Primeira Liga – dropped down from the Champions League group stage after a third-placed finish in Group D behind Real Sociedad and Inter Milan.
Philippe Clement understands Rangers are the underdogs across the two-legged tie and noted at his press conference that Benfica’s budget is more than double the size of Rangers’.
But he wants his injury-hit side to be very competitive and fans all know getting past the European big guns in the latter stages of this competition can be achieved.
Managed by Roger Schmidt, Benfica lost their last two games against Sporting CP and Porto – the latter a 5-0 thrashing away from home – but prior to that, they went unbeaten across a whopping 22 games [FotMob].
Below, Rangers News provide you with everything there is to know about the first leg tie against Benfica including how to watch on TV, the latest team news, an injury round-up plus the appointed officials.
Benfica vs Rangers kick-off time
Rangers have made the plane journey south to Lisbon as they face Benfica on Thursday, March 7. The Europa League last 16 first leg at the Estadio da Luz will kick-off at 8pm.
Benfica vs Rangers TV channel
Benfica vs Rangers will be broadcast live on TV. It will be shown on TNT Sports 1 via Discovery+ and the programme will commence at 7:45pm, which is 15 minutes before kick-off.
Rangers fans will need to purchase a Discovery+ Premium subscription package to watch the game. This will cost you £30.99 per month. You can live stream Benfica vs Rangers using the Discovery+ app on your smart TV, smartphone, tablet or computer.
If you are out and about, you can listen to live BBC Sportsound radio commentary of Benfica vs Rangers. The programme will begin at 7pm which is 45 minutes before kick-off.
Rangers team and injury news
Philippe Clement addressed the press in Portugal on Wednesday to provide a rather gloomy injury round-up regarding his first-team squad.
The Belgian confirmed that potentially eight players could be missing for the Benfica test, five of those being wingers. Ross McCausland has trained but is still a doubt.
Referee & VAR
Benfica vs Rangers will be overseen by a pool of German officials. UEFA have appointed Tobias Stieler as the referee and his assistants will be Christian Gittelmann and Robert Kempter.
Harm Osmers has been handed fourth official duty, while Marco Fritz and Sören Storks are the VAR and AVAR respectively.
