X-ray: Benfica's opponents in the last 16 of the Europa League

The draw held this Friday, February 23, in Nyon (Switzerland), determined a clash between Benfica and Rangers in the Europa League round of 16. The first leg will be played at Estádio da Luz on March 7 and the second leg in Scotland on March 14.

A seeded team in the draw, the Glasgow-based club topped Group C with 11 points from three wins, two draws and one defeat. Their goal tally after six games was eight goals scored and six conceded.

The group included Sparta Prague (2-1 in Glasgow and 0-0 in Czechia), Betis (1-0 in Glasgow and 2-3 in Seville) and Aris Limassol (1-1 in Glasgow and 2-1 in Cyprus).

Rangers crossed Benfica's path for the first (and only) time in the Europa League 2020/21 group stage. At the time, there were two draws: 3-3 at Estádio da Luz and 2-2 at Ibrox

Currently, the team led by Philippe Clement, hired in October 2023 to replace Michael Beale, are top of the Premiership with a two-point lead over rivals Celtic. This season (2023/24), Rangers have already won their 28th Scottish League Cup after beating Aberdeen 1-0 in the final. The Protestants also have 55 championships and 34 Scottish Cups to their name.

On an individual level, captain Tavernier is the team's standout performer. Even though he plays at right-back, the 32-year-old Englishman is a dead-ball specialist and has the status of the team's top scorer this season (19 goals in 41 games), also leading the assists ranking (10).

In the January transfer window, Rangers bolstered their squad with three players who have been very important to the team: striker Fábio Silva (on loan from Wolverhampton), winger Cortés (on loan from Lens), and midfielder Diomandé (on loan from Nordsjaelland). Midfielders Cifuentes (Cruzeiro) and Davies (end of career), as well as striker Lammers (Utrecht), are no longer part of the squad.

THE OPPONENT

*Source: transfermarkt.pt

REACTIONS TO THE DRAW

Philippe Clement (Rangers coach): "It's exciting to play Benfica, who are a great team. I don't think we're the favorites in the knockout round, but we believe in our quality and we have players with experience in European competitions, something that can help in a match like this. If we keep our mentality, we can beat any opponent."

Sterling (Rangers defender): "I anticipate a good match against Benfica, but first we have to focus on the league. Everyone wants to play in European competitions. We've enjoyed our run in the Europa League and we hope to keep going."