Philippe Clement isn’t playing mind games when he says that Rangers are underdogs to beat Benfica to progress to the quarter-finals of the Europa League.
The Gers boss isn’t stupid and, after all, there is only one side who can call on World Cup winners, that there are none in the Light Blues squad shows exactly what we are up against.
There is one key area where Clement will want to see his Rangers team improve from the first leg if we are to beat Benfica at Ibrox.
The key battle zone for Rangers against Benfica
We were never going to go to Portugal and dominate such an expensively assembled side, however, it is fair to say that we gave as good as we got.
Jack Butland made a couple of sharp stops but Clement will take hope from the fact that the two Benfica goals carried more than a bit of luck.
There was one issue where Rangers didn’t compete as well as they could have done against Benfica though – midfield.
On the front foot, Mohamed Diomande and Tom Lawrence made a big difference but, at Ibrox, we can’t be as cavalier.
More control will be needed on a night that is sure to see a rowdy home support.
John Lundstram in particular will need to find the form that has been so impressive under Philippe Clement.
In Lisbon, he gave the ball away 18 times against a midfield that was noticeably quicker with the ball at their feet and in their decision making, he was also dribbled past four times according to Sofascore.
It’s one thing winning the physical battle but not giving the ball away and picking up second balls could be the difference.
Benfica have a lot of pace from midfield forward and this is where their biggest strengths lie, limiting how often we turn the ball over will significantly improve our chances of success.
Giving them the chance to counter attack our defence and Butland could be in for a busy night.
