Benfica midfielder Fredrik Aursnes expects a ‘difficult’ match against Rangers in the UEFA Europa League last-16 second-leg and is looking forward to coming up against former Feyenoord team-mate Cyriel Dessers at Ibrox.
Aursnes, the Norway international who was linked with a £42 million move to Aston VIlla last summer, needs no introduction to Cyriel Dessers’ talents.
The Rangers striker finished as the top scorer in the inaugural Conference League campaign alongside Aursnes back in 2022, after all.
And while it’s fair to say Dessers has had a rather mixed time in Glasgow, the Nigerian’s former Feyenoord team-mate is fully aware of just how effective he can be on his day.
Cyriel Dessers likely to start as Rangers host Benfica
“Rangers are a difficult opponent. They are playing well and I know it will be a good match,” Aursnes tells Record. “But we have high expectations.
“I have already played with Dessers in Holland. Rangers have already proven to be successful in Europe. They won their Europa League group.
“They have shown that they have a lot of quality and experience. It will be a very difficult match for us.”
Rangers were arguably unfortunate not to claim a famous win in the first leg a week ago. Philippe Clement’s side led twice in Lisbon through Tom Lawrence and Dujon Sterling but found themselves pinned back by a contentious Angel di Maria penalty and a calamitous Connor Goldson own goal.
16 goals now for summer signing
Dessers, meanwhile, was a threat throughout, leading the line with trademark physicality in the Portuguese capital. The £4.3 million signing from Cremonese has scored only once for Rangers in Europe, however, though that single goal was something of a stunner, Dessers dancing through the Real Betis backline as the Glasgow giants recorded their first ever competitive victory over a Spanish outfit on Spanish soil in the group stages.
Dessers is expected to start again when Benfica arrive at Ibrox tonight. In all competitions, the Mick Beale signing now has 16 goals and seven assists in Gers colours.
