Match Summary
Benfica and Rangers drew 2:2. The match was played in UEFA Europa League 2023. Goals were scored by T. Lawrence 7′, Á. Di María 45′ (pen.), D. Sterling 45′, C. Goldson 67′ (o.g.). 5 yellow cards were shown. Benfica had 68% possession while Rangers held 32%. Benfica had 24 shots (5 on target) compared to 9 (5 on target) for Rangers. Expected goals: Benfica 2.46 — Rangers 1.26. Benfica made 3 substitutions, Rangers made 5. VAR was involved: Penalty confirmed (Ángel Di María 45′).
Match Events
Key match events between Benfica and Rangers — 4 goals and 5 cards recorded during the match.
assist: M. Diomandé
Penalty
Own Goal
Match Statistics
Benfica had 68% possession against Rangers's 32%. Benfica registered 24 shots (5 on target) while Rangers managed 9 (5 on target). Corner kicks: 14–4. Fouls committed: 8–13.
Lineups
Benfica lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation under R. Schmidt, while Rangers deployed a 4-2-3-1 under P. Clement.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Benfica is 7.30, compared to 7.00 for Rangers. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Benfica's highest-rated starter is Á. Di María (8.06), while Rangers's best-rated player is J. Souttar (7.16).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Benfica have contributed 8 goals and 7 assists this season, led by Á. Di María (4G). Rangers's starters account for 18 goals and 4 assists, spearheaded by C. Dessers (18G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Benfica deploy 4 defenders rated 7.20 on average, against Rangers's 4-man backline averaging 7.03. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Benfica field 5 midfielders averaging 8.06, versus Rangers's 5 rated —. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Benfica start 1 forward(s) averaging —, compared to 1 for Rangers averaging 6.94. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages 82% for Benfica and 88% for Rangers. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
Benfica's starters have collected 8 yellow cards this season, compared to 5 for Rangers. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of Benfica's starting XI is 28.2 (youngest: António Silva (22), oldest: Á. Di María (37)), while Rangers average 28.0 (youngest: R. Yılmaz (24), oldest: C. Dessers (31)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Benfica's starters average 20 league appearances each, versus 21 for Rangers. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Substitutes
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Benfica have recorded 4 wins, 1 draws and 1 defeats. Rangers show 3 wins, 3 draws and 0 losses from their last 6 outings.
Benfica
Rangers
API data: 15 Mar 2026