RANGERS have been paired against SL Benfica as they bid reach to the quarter-finals of the Europa League.
The draw was made in Nyon, Switzerland this morning, with the Gers set to do battle with the Portuguese side for the second time in three years in the competition.
Here’s everything you need to know about our Last 16 opponents:
HISTORY
Benfica are the most decorated club in Portugal and boast a record 38 Portuguese Primeira Liga crowns.
As well as winning the Taça de Portugal seven times – Portugal’s equivalent to the Scottish Cup – the Lisbon outfit have triumphed on two separate occasions in the European Cup back in 1961 and 1962.
More recently, Benfica were on the losing side in back-to-back Europa League finals in 2013 and 2014, losing out to Chelsea and Sevilla respectively.
Roger Schmidt’s side currently sit atop the domestic standings in Portugal, level on points with rivals Sporting CP who boast a game in hand.
HOW THEY GOT HERE
By virtue of winning the Primeira Liga last term, Benfica gained direct entry to the Champions League group stages this season.
Paired alongside Inter, Real Sociedad and RB Salzburg, Schmidt’s side got off to the worst possible start when they succumbed to a 2-0 home defeat to Salzburg.
Indeed, they had to wait until matchday five to pick up their first points in the group when they played out a frenetic 3-3 draw with Inter, which proved invaluable in their bid to secure European football after Christmas.
Needing a victory to seal a place in the Europa League play-offs, the Lisbon side produced a 3-1 win in Austria to qualify on goals scored.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS
The two teams squared off in the Europa League group stages in 2020/21.
A thrilling 3-3 draw was played out in Lisbon amid torrential rain, with Rangers recovering from the concession of an early goal to score three times through Glen Kamara, a Diogo Goncalves own goal and Alfredo Morelos.
However, the introduction of Darwin Nunez in the second half tied the game, with the now-Liverpool forward netting a late equaliser after being sent through on goal.
In Glasgow, meanwhile, Rangers found themselves two goals to the good with 12 minutes remaining thanks to goals from Scott Arfield and Kemar Roofe, with a late rally from the away side salvaging a point for the Portuguese side.
STADIUM
Benfica play at the famed Estadio da Luz, translated as Stadium of Light in English.
Opened in 2003 ahead of the European Championships the following year, the stadium has played host to several big sporting events, including the Euro 2004 final in which Portugal suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Greece.
The ground was also the sight of the all-Madrid Champions League final in 2014, as well as the final in 2020 that was played behind closed doors due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
MANAGER
Benfica are coached by Roger Schmidt, who was appointed manager in May 2022.
The German enjoyed an impressive debut campaign as the Lisbon side embarked on a 29-game unbeaten run that ultimately carried them to the title.
Schmidt also boasts experience at Bayer Leverkusen and PSV Eindhoven, with his side’s renowned for their high intensity pressing style.
KEY PLAYER
Joao Neves, 19, represents one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe.
The pint-sized midfielder is a throwback in the way that he plays with his shirt tucked into his shorts, and his tenacity and technical ability is instrumental to Benfica’s success.
The teenager was thrust into the Benfica side following the departure of Enzo Fernandez to Chelsea in January 2023, with his performances in the meantime earning him a call-up to the Portugal squad for the first time earlier this season.
The Lisbon side also boast the experience of Angel di Maria, Nicolas Otamendi and Joao Mario in their ranks, while Rangers supporters will be familiar with Alexander Bah who featured for Slavia Prague against the Ibrox side in 2021.