UEL Round of 16: Rangers vs Benfica Odds
Showdown at the Ibrox
All Square After First Leg
In an entertaining Europa League Round of 16 first leg matchup, Benfica and Rangers drew 2-2 in Lisbon. Now, both teams have everything to play for on Thursday when they contest the second leg in Scotland.
Rangers are just a couple of years removed from an appearance in the Europa League final. Benfica are stiff competition, though, as they started the campaign in the Champions League. Ahead of this exciting UEL matchup, let’s check out the Rangers vs Benfica odds.
Rangers FC vs SL Benfica
Day/Time:
Location: Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, Scotland
Rangers vs Benfica Head-to-Head
In this fixture, the scores and odds reflect the fact that all three previous meetings have finished all square. Last week, Rangers took the lead on a Tom Lawrence header but conceded a penalty that Angel di Maria converted for Benfica.
Just before halftime Fabio Silva sent in a cross for Dujon Sterling to score his first Rangers goal. A Connor Goldson own goal allowed Benfica back into the match and the first leg finished 1-1. The Rangers vs Benfica odds priced a draw at +300.
These teams also met in the 2020-21 Europa League group stage, where the meetings finished 2-2 and 3-3.
Rangers Contending on Three Fronts
Rangers are in contention for their first Scottish Premiership title since the 2020-21 season. Through 29 matches, they’re one point ahead of crosstown rivals Celtic. Over the weekend, Rangers were in action in the Scottish Cup, not the Premiership, though.
On the road at Hibernian, Rangers managed a 2-0 victory to advance to the Semifinal, where they’ll take on Hearts in April. John Lundstram followed up a James Tavernier penalty miss and Fabio Silva doubled Rangers’ lead.
Silva was quite active last Thursday at Benfica and he’s one to watch vs Benfica once again. This season, Jack Butland also ranks sixth in the Europa League stats, with 24 saves. The keeper made an error that nearly cost Rangers a goal over the weekend but he’s been a good shot stopper.
Earlier on, Rangers finished in first place in the Group C Europa League standings, with a 3-2-1 record.
Bettors should note that Rangers are on a 29 game scoring streak, in all competitions. This season, Tavernier leads Rangers with 21 goals overall. However, most of his goals come from penalties. Cyriel Dessers and Abdallah Sima have also reached double digits in goals.
However, Sima is out injured. Danilo, Oscar Cortes, Todd Cantwell and Kieran Dowell are also nursing injuries at the moment.
Benfica End Winless Run
Sunday’s game vs Estoril Praia was Benfica’s first in the Liga Portugal since suffering a 5-0 defeat at the hands of rivals Porto. Orkun Kokcu opened up the scoring 15 minutes in with an outrageous curled effort. Marcos Leonardo and Tiago Gouveia also scored in Benfica’s 3-1 victory.
At the moment, the Lisbon side is in second place in the league, just one point behind Sporting. Sunday’s victory broke a three game winless streak for the Lisbon club.
In the Champions League group stage, Benfica won just one of their six games and finished tied for third place. Benfica have only kept one clean sheet in nine European matches so far this season. In the Europa League knockout play-off, Benfica defeated Toulouse 2-1 over the course of two legs.
Angel di Maria scored both of Benfica’s goals, which came on penalties.
Di Maria sat out last Sunday and the Argentine World Cup winner should play a big role here. With double digit goals and assists in the Liga Portugal this season, Rafa Silva has been key for Benfica this season.
Precocious 19-year old midfielder Joao Neves is another one to watch and he could make an expensive move this Summer. Right now, just Juan Bernat appears on Benfica’s injury list and they’ll be looking for their first win over Rangers here.
Rangers vs Benfica Match Analysis & Odds
Benfica have conceded eight goals in their last three games overall and their defense has been shaky in Europe this season. On the other hand, Rangers have kept two clean sheets in the UEL this season but have conceded in each of their last four matches in the competition.
Here, the Rangers vs Benfica odds list over 2.5, 3 goals at -120 odds. Recall that, in three previous meetings, both teams have scored at least twice in each match and we wouldn’t be surprised if this one turns into a shootout as well.
Interestingly, Benfica are +135 road favorites to win Thursday’s match and they’re 1-1-2 in four European road matches this season. Rangers are +175 underdogs to be victorious in 90 minutes and a draw, which would mean extra time, displays +275 odds.
Overall, Benfica are -130 favorites to qualify. Last season, they reached the Champions League Quarter-Final and they made it to the same stage of the Europa League the year prior.
Bettors can also back Rangers to go through to their second Quarters in three seasons at even odds. Rangers pk, +0.5 sits at -125 odds while Benfica pk, -0.5 is priced at -105.
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