Rangers have been handed a Europa League blueprint as FC Porto stun Benfica in a 5-0 hammering at the Estadio do Dragao.
The Gers are all set to visit Portuguese capital Lisbon this week in an enticing Europa League Round of 16 clash against the famous Iberian club.
But any pre-match nerves might’ve been settled by a stunning five-goal romp by Liga Portugal rivals FC Porto, who’ve shown Rangers how to get at Benfica.
In a weekend of shocks in Scotland, it seems Portugal has also been rocked by some unexpected results with Porto’s Brazilian-t winger Galeno central to the victory.
FC Porto hammer Benfica 5-0
With FC Porto’s Liga Portugal title hopes hanging by a thread, anything but a victory over Benfica would’ve surely seen them out of the running this season.
But the Portuguese outfit rose to the challenge and put in a stunning display to dismantle As Águias and blow open the nation’s title race.
Brazilian winger Galeno found himself unmarked at the back post from a corner to slot home the opener, before the attacker took advantage of some weak defending to slot home a second in the six-yard box.
Ten minutes after the restart Galeno’s countryman Wendell made it three, his deflected effort making its way into the goal after going through the legs of helpless Argentinian centre-back Nicolas Otamendi.
Things would go from bad to worse for the ex-Manchester City defender too, who was shown red after the hour mark for a second yellow card.
Brazilian attacker Pepe – not the legendary Portuguese centre-back who coincidentally also played in the match – then ruthlessly slotted home a fourth.
The scoring was concluded by ex-Reading forward Danny Namaso, who powered a header home late on.
The result means Sporting Lisbon remain top of Liga Portugal, one point clear of Benfica in second having played one game less.
FC Porto are six points off Benfica in second and seven off the league leaders, who they play at home on 28th April.
Rangers handed Europa League blueprint
You can be rest-assured that Philippe Clement and co will be analysing Porto’s thumping victory over Benfica ahead of Rangers’ Europa League trip this week.
Whilst there will be nothing but respect from Ibrox quarters when it comes to the talented Portuguese outfit, it’s clear there are ways to get at this defensively frail outfit.
That doesn’t mean there aren’t quality options in the team – the likes of Argentine winger Angel di Maria and Brazilian striker Marcos Leonardo pose real danger.
Rangers have had big success in Portugal in recent seasons and if the club can focus their energy and upset the Benfica rhythm we could be in for a famous night in the Estadio de Luz.
With progression to the Europa League Quarter Finals worth €1.8m (£1.5m) to participating teams there’s more than prestige on the line over the double header.
Rangers will face off against Benfica in Portugal this Thursday (07/03) at 8PM GMT before the return at Ibrox a week later (14/03) kicks off at the earlier time of 5:45PM GMT.
That earlier kick off has raised eyebrows in Glasgow with Rangers publicly criticising the UEFA decision, which was taken for broadcasting reasons.
