Neil Lennon shares Rangers v Benfica ‘formidable’ prediction amid ‘treble’ verdict at Ibrox.
Neil Lennon has made a prediction ahead of Rangers’ Europa League match against Benfica on Thursday, March 7.
The two teams have a brief but fascinating history, with their previous matches in the 2020/21 Europa League group stage concluding in 3-3 and 2-2 draws.
Benfica has been in good form in Liga Portugal, behind Sporting CP at the top of the standings, but they have recently suffered 2-1 and 5-0 defeats to rivals Sporting and FC Porto.
When asked about Rangers’ chances of advancing in the competition, Lennon stated, “I don’t see why not.” (PLZ Soccer, Wednesday, March 6). Benfica isn’t the same as it was four or five years ago. They were defeated by both Lisbon and Porto, but they remain a strong opponent.
“As a Rangers player, you want to compete. Going for the Europa League, going for the Championship, going for the treble – you want to play in these games, and I believe they’ll come out stronger regardless of whether they advance or not.
When asked who will win the two legs, Peter Martin replied: “Benfica for me, just.”
Can Rangers advance past Benfica in the Europa League Round of 16?
The Germans should have every faith that Philippe Clement can lead them to the next stage of the European competition. However, the most recent defeat to Motherwell will cast doubt.
Rangers, who have only lost one game since a contentious loss at Celtic Park in December, have benefited from the Portuguese team’s recent decline.
Celtic fans will be praying for a defeat for Rangers, who are on track to win their second Scottish Premiership title in a decade under Clement.
An away victory against Benfica would only boost Ibrox’s confidence, since the Hoops are the only team standing in the way of the Gers’ league crown.
As Lennon points out, Clement has a very real opportunity of winning the Treble with Rangers, having only come in October following Michael Beale’s disastrous spell at Ibrox.
Though the Belgian will avoid getting ahead of himself, preferring to focus on each game as it comes, he will be aware that a victory on Thursday night will bring his team one step closer to tremendous success.
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