When it comes to European football, few encounters capture the imagination quite like Rangers F.C. versus Benfica. These two storied clubs, hailing from Glasgow and Lisbon respectively, have a rich history in European competition. Their meetings have always been high stakes, full of drama and emotion, often featuring spectacular football and memorable moments. In this article, we will delve deep into the stats, recent performances, and the history of their encounters, providing an in-depth analysis of their head-to-head matchups, goals, key players, and much more.

Rangers F.C. and Benfica: A Brief Introduction

Before we dive into the specifics of their match statistics, it’s essential to understand the background of these two clubs. Rangers F.C., founded in 1872, is one of the most successful clubs in Scotland, with a long-standing history of domestic and international achievements. The club has a rich tradition in European football, particularly in the UEFA Europa League, where it has made several deep runs.

On the other hand, Benfica, officially known as Sport Lisboa e Benfica, is one of the “Big Three” clubs in Portugal. Founded in 1904, Benfica has established itself as one of the most successful football clubs in Europe. The club has a storied history in European competitions, most notably in the UEFA Champions League, which it has won twice, and it consistently competes in the latter stages of European tournaments.

Head-to-Head Record: Rangers vs Benfica

Over the years, Rangers and Benfica have met in several high-profile European competitions. Their encounters are typically marked by a high level of intensity, as both teams have a reputation for attacking football. As of December 2024, the two clubs have faced each other a total of six times in European competitions.

The first notable meeting between the two teams occurred in the 1960s during the European Cup. However, it was in more recent years that their encounters have sparked significant interest. These games have not only drawn attention due to the quality of football but also because of the passionate fanbases of both clubs.

Recent Encounters: 2024 UEFA Europa League

The most recent encounter between Rangers and Benfica took place in the 2024 UEFA Europa League Round of 16. The first leg, played at Ibrox Stadium in Glasgow, ended in a 1-0 victory for Benfica. This match was crucial, as it set the stage for the return leg in Lisbon. In a highly competitive second leg, Benfica sealed their advancement with another 1-0 victory, knocking Rangers out of the tournament.

This recent two-legged tie showcased the tactical discipline of both teams, with Benfica’s superior possession and precise attacking play proving to be the difference. Despite Rangers’ efforts, including a few close chances, Benfica’s defense stood firm, with key players playing pivotal roles in both legs.

Key Stats from Recent Matches

In the most recent encounters between Rangers and Benfica, several statistical trends have emerged that help explain the outcomes of these matches. Here, we will break down the key statistics that have shaped the games between these two clubs:

Possession Stats

In European football, possession is often a key indicator of dominance in a match. In both legs of their most recent encounter, Benfica enjoyed more possession, controlling the tempo of the games. On average, Benfica held around 60% possession in the two matches, while Rangers had 40%. This possession dominance allowed Benfica to dictate the flow of the game, particularly in the second leg, where Rangers struggled to break down Benfica’s defensive structure.

Shots and Shots on Target

Shots and shots on target are crucial indicators of a team’s attacking intent and efficiency. In the two recent matches, Benfica outshot Rangers in both legs. Benfica registered 14 shots in the first leg and 12 in the second leg, compared to Rangers’ 11 and 8, respectively. However, it was Benfica’s superior accuracy that stood out. The Portuguese side had five shots on target in the first leg and three in the second leg, while Rangers only managed a few shots on target in both matches. This difference in efficiency was a decisive factor in the outcomes.

Fouls and Discipline

Discipline is often a defining characteristic of teams in high-stakes European encounters. Rangers, known for their physical style of play, committed more fouls in both legs. Rangers averaged around 12 fouls per match, while Benfica committed only 8 fouls per game. This stat reflects Rangers’ aggressive approach, trying to disrupt Benfica’s rhythm and prevent them from building sustained attacks. However, this also meant that Rangers were frequently penalized, which led to defensive lapses and opportunities for Benfica.

Defensive Stats

Both teams exhibited strong defensive performances, but Benfica’s defensive solidity played a significant role in their victories. Rangers struggled to break down Benfica’s backline, which was well-organized and resilient. Despite Rangers’ offensive pressure, Benfica’s defense, anchored by their center-backs and goalkeeper, stood firm. Rangers, on the other hand, had difficulty dealing with Benfica’s counter-attacks and fluid attacking transitions.

Goals Scored and Conceded: Rangers vs Benfica

When analyzing the goals scored in the recent encounters, we see a clear trend. Benfica’s offensive quality, combined with their defensive stability, allowed them to edge Rangers in these tight contests. Over the six encounters between the two clubs, a total of 15 goals have been scored. Benfica has netted 8 goals, while Rangers have scored 7. These numbers highlight just how closely contested these matchups have been, with only a small margin between the two teams in terms of goals scored.

Key Players in the Rangers F.C. vs Benfica Encounters

Both Rangers and Benfica have had standout players in their encounters over the years. For Rangers, Alfredo Morelos has been a key figure in their offensive play, with his goals and physicality providing a constant threat to opposing defenses. Morelos’ ability to create chances, hold up the ball, and finish clinically makes him one of the most dangerous players on the field for Rangers.

For Benfica, players like João Félix, Rafa Silva, and Darwin Núñez have proven to be instrumental in their attacking play. These players bring flair, pace, and clinical finishing to Benfica’s offensive arsenal. In particular, João Félix’s ability to make decisive passes and contribute to the buildup play has been crucial in unlocking Rangers’ defense. In recent encounters, Benfica’s defense was marshaled by experienced players such as Nicolás Otamendi, who provided leadership and composure at the back.

FAQs

What is the head-to-head record between Rangers F.C. and Benfica?

As of December 2024, Rangers F.C. and Benfica have faced each other six times in European competitions. Benfica leads with two wins, while Rangers have one victory, and three matches have ended in draws. The most recent encounter was on March 14, 2024, in the UEFA Europa League Round of 16, where Benfica won 1-0 at Ibrox Stadium.

How have Rangers F.C. and Benfica performed in their recent matches?

In their last five encounters, Rangers F.C. have won one match, drawn two, and lost two. They have averaged 2.8 goals per match and conceded 0.8 goals per match. Benfica, on the other hand, have won one match, drawn three, and lost one in the same period, scoring an average of 1.4 goals per match and conceding 1.6 goals per match. 

What is the all-time top scorer for each team in their encounters?

In matches between Rangers F.C. and Benfica, Alfredo Morelos is the all-time top scorer for Rangers with 28 goals. For Benfica, Óscar Cardozo holds the record with 22 goals. 

What is the average possession percentage for both teams in their encounters?

In their head-to-head matches, Rangers F.C. have averaged 48% possession, while Benfica have averaged 60% possession. This indicates that Benfica generally dominate possession in their encounters with Rangers. 

How many goals have been scored in total in their head-to-head matches?

In the six encounters between Rangers F.C. and Benfica, a total of 15 goals have been scored, with Rangers netting 7 goals and Benfica scoring 8 goals. 

In Summary

The head-to-head statistics between Rangers F.C. and Benfica reveal a closely contested rivalry, with Benfica holding a slight edge in terms of victories and goals scored. Both teams have demonstrated strong offensive capabilities, as evidenced by the total number of goals scored in their encounters. The possession and shot statistics indicate that Benfica generally dominate possession and create more goal-scoring opportunities, while Rangers have been more aggressive in their play, committing more fouls and being caught offside more frequently. These insights provide a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics between these two footballing giants in their European encounters.

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