Rangers vs Benfica Prediction & Betting Tips (14 March)

Rangers came close to making a big move last week on Benfica's pitch. Long ahead on the scoreboard, they ended up conceding the equalizer in the second half after a fairly interesting 2-2 match. However, the Scots are still well in the race to try to qualify for the quarter-finals of the competition. A tournament in which they have already distinguished themselves by taking 1st place in their group ahead of Sparta Prague, Bétis and Aris Limassol during the first part of the season. Still as formidable in the league, the Glasgow players are still at the top of the Scottish Premier League with 2 points ahead of rival Celtic. Surprised 10 days ago by Motherwell 1-2, Rangers were able to resume their march forward last weekend in the Cup against Hibernian 0-2.

Opposite, Benfica therefore came close to being penalized last week before to succeed in equalizing in the second half, so as not to start this return match with a handicap on the scoreboard. This would have been very detrimental if we refer to the great difficulties encountered by the Portuguese in the previous round to overcome Toulouse victory 2-1 in the first leg, 0-0 in the return while being dominated in the game. In tough times lately, the Lisbon side have suffered a defeat in the Cup against Sporting Portugal and a big setback in the league against FC Porto 5-0. Juan Bernat's partners were able to return to success last weekend against Estoril 2-0 but they remain behind Sporting who are one point ahead in the standings.

As during the trip to the Stade de la Luz last Thursday, the interesting attackers Cantwell (5 goals), Matondo (3 goals) Oscar (1 goal) and Danilo (4 goals), the long-term absentee Roofe, the midfielder Dowell (2 goals in 7 matches) and striker Sima (10 goals in the league, 3 in C3) risk withdrawing this week. Nevertheless, the Rangers will be able to rely on some good assets like the Nigerian Dessers (12 goals in the league) or the young Portuguese prospect Fabio Silva who arrived during the winter and who also scored in the cup last weekend. Both scorers last week, playmaker Lawrence and winger Sterling could start again in the same capacity as the formidable right-back Tavernier (14 goals, 8 assists in the Scottish PL). The Spanish left-back on loan from PSG, Juan Bernat (injured), who has been in the infirmary this year, and winter recruit Prestianni, who was not included on the list of players authorized to play in the competition, will not make the trip to Scotland.

Decisive from the penalty spot in the first leg, world champion Angel Di Maria (ex-PSG, 7 goals, 6 assists this season in the league) has 3 goals in 3 matches in the competition. The talented Rafa Silva (10 goals, 10 assists in the league), Neres (ex-Ajax), the scorer Musa (5 pawns, 2 pancakes), the former resident of Fiorentina Cabral (also 4 goals) and his Brazilian compatriot Marcos Leonardo (5 goals in just 7 appearances in the league) will also all be candidates for a place in Roger Schmidt's 11.