Benfica to burst Rangers' European bubble
Two sides with 100% records in Group D go head-to-head this Thursday evening, as Benfica host Rangers. These two heavyweights in their respective domestic divisions have never played before, adding a little spice to this encounter, both sides finished as runners-up in their country’s last term, they will not want that fate for themselves in Group D. This is an exciting tie for Rangers, a youthful squad under Steven Gerrard travelling to a club with a hugely successful history in both Portugal and Europe. The hosts are odds on to get the win and so they should be given their recent pedigree in European competition in comparison.
Background
After the disappointment of slipping away in the Primeira Liga post lockdown to see Porto retain their crown, Benfica have been on an upward trajectory in their rebuild. Breakout stars like Darwin Nunez have helped the team earn seven consecutive wins, in which they have averaged scoring over three goals per game. In an interesting quirk they have also never been beaten at home in the Europa League, since its rebranding from the UEFA Cup, possibly an added nugget of motivation for the Gers.
Early tournament form
Rangers are yet to concede in the competition with 2-0 and 1-0 victories at Standard Liege and Lech Poznan. With arguably the goal of the 2020/21 season, sealing victory in Belgium from the boot of Kemar Roofe, his strike coming from the halfway line. Mr reliable James Tavernier converted from the spot in that encounter and has taken to 12 yard duties very impressively, the right back is 5/1 to score at anytime with Betfair.
Livewire striker Alfredo Morelos struck the only goal of the game in the win over Lech Poznan, the Colombian was heavily linked with moves away from Glasgow in the brief summer transfer window, but Gerrard has managed to motivate his talisman with his side topping the Scottish Premiership.
One to watch
Approaching 300 appearances for the club, wise attacker Pizzi has started this season in fine form, notching thrice in the Europa League already. A mainstay in the team as young talents like Joao Felix and Bernardo Silva have left the club, Pizzi has remained and is one of the side’s biggest attacking threats, he is 15/8 to score at anytime.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
An epic comeback from the Portuguese side was not enough to land this bet, 3-3 it finished.