Benfica take on the visitors Rangers in the first leg of UEFA Europa League 1/8-finals. The match will be played on Thursday, February 7th at Estádio da Luz (Lisbon)
After a resounding victory over Portimonense (4-0), Benfica suffered a double blow from their main rivals on the domestic stage - first, they lost to Sporting in the national cup (1-2), and then were crushed by Porto (0-5) in the Portuguese league. The Eagles approach the match against Rangers very angry. The hosts need a convincing victory to boost their morale and to redeem themselves in front of their loyal fans after two consecutive defeats. I'm not sure if Benfica will succeed in the end, but I expect plenty of goals in the first encounter with Rangers. As you can see, lately in matches involving the Eagles, the Over 2.5 goals bet consistently pays off. I'll note that in the previous stage of the Europa League, Lisbon beat Toulouse at home also with Over 2.5 goals (2-1).
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Rangers' players are often inclined to play an open attacking style of football on the international stage as well. Exactly half of the matches in the group stage of the tournament saw the Scots and their opponents breaking the Over 2.5 goals mark. And if against Czech side Sparta (2-1) they managed to do it at home, in games against Cypriot Aris (1-2) and Spanish Betis (3-2), the required total was achieved precisely in away matches. Now, let's look at the recent results of the light blues on their home ground: victories over Ross County (3-1), St. Johnstone (3-0), Hearts (5-0), Kilmarnock (2-1), and a defeat to Motherwell (1-2).
Both teams adhere to an attacking style of play. Both score a lot but are vulnerable at their own goal. Benfica are the favorite in the first leg of the clash, and in terms of class, the Portuguese are still higher than their opponent. Under certain circumstances, the Eagles are quite capable of reaching the required total on their own turf. However, it's not wise to underestimate the Scots; they can respond with a goal or two even away from home. I expect a bright and entertaining match with at least three goals shared between them. By the way, three years ago, Benfica and Rangers faced each other in the group stage of the same tournament. And back then, the Over bet comfortably hit in both matches (3-3 and 2-2). My prediction is Over 2.5 goals.
Prediction for the match: Over 2.5 scored goals.
