Sport

Who will win Benfica vs Rangers? Our writers predict the Europa League last 16

Published

9 months ago

March 7, 2024

The Europa League is BACK for Rangers and what an occasion it is that awaits them in Lisbon.

Philippe Clement has enjoyed a stunning start to life in the Ibrox dugout and his last result in the Europa League was that famous 3-2 triumph over Real Betis in Seville to claim top spot in the group and set up this mouth-watering tie with Benfica. The Ibrox men suffered a shock home defeat to Motherwell at the weekend, although it went unpunished after Celtic’s loss at Hearts, with the fallout from the VAR controversy still rumbling on from that one.

But the Scottish Premiership title chase has been put to one side for Rangers as they bid to create some more stunning memories in this competition. The Light Blues went all the way to the final not too long ago, beating the likes of Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig along the way before a heartbreaking penalty shootout loss to Eintracht Frankfurt. But that run will forever live in the memory of the players and supporters as the current crop bid to do it all again starting at the Estadio da Luz.

Ibrox will be rocking next week when the two sides meet in the return showdown in Govan and the fans will be praying for a positive result to take into that game. Here’s how Record Sport’s writers see the 90 minutes going in Portugal as they make their big predictions on how the night will shake out.

Keith Jackson

Rangers would have had their work cut out in Lisbon with a full strength side but Philippe Clement’s hand has been weakened by the loss of so many of his most creative attacking options. But Benfica have been blowing more cold than hot lately and will be under serious pressure from their own fans. It might not be beyond the Belgian boss to nick a draw away from home and take the tie back to Ibrox still in the balance.

Benfica 2 Rangers 2

Michael Gannon

Benfica are having a wobble right now but they are still extremely dangerous. An open game might suit Rangers and they can get a result to bring back to Glasgow.

Benfica 2 Rangers 2

Gavin Berry

The Portuguese side’s Porto pasting at the weekend put the Ibrox side’s own disappointing defeat to Motherwell into perspective. The Lisbon giants appear to be going through a proper crisis and with manager Roger Schmidt under real pressure then it’s a chance for Rangers to really capitalise.

But we can’t ignore the fact Benfica have NEVER lost a home Europa League tie. It might be too big of an ask for Gers to end that but a draw would be a great result.

Benfica 1 Rangers 1

Scott Burns

I think Rangers can take a positive result back from Lisbon into the Ibrox second leg. It might take another big night from Jack Butland but I believe they can avoid defeat out there.

Benfica 1 Rangers 1