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MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

Benfica, once again made history by beating Rangers 0-1 on Thursday, March 14, in the second leg of the Europa League round of 16 at Ibrox Stadium in Glasgow, Scotland.

Looking back at Benfica's and Portuguese football's history, it's clear that Roger Schmidt's side's task in the Scottish capital wasn't easy, even though everything was open after the 2-2 draw in the first leg at Estádio da Luz on March 7.

With this win, Benfica achieved their 2nd ever victory in Scotland - in six games played. Winning in that country hadn't happened since 1960/61, when the Eagles of Coluna, José Augusto and José Águas, among other glories, beat Hearts (1-2). What's more, it had been 40 years since a Portuguese team had won in Scotland and this was the second time Rangers had been eliminated (the last time was in 1983/84) by a Portuguese team in nine UEFA ties.

Rangers' first home defeat in 12 games against Portuguese teams was based on Benfica's excellent defensive organization.

The only change to Benfica's eleven from the first leg in Lisbon was Marcos Leonardo coming on for Arthur Cabral.  

The Eagles went on the attack quickly in the 66th minute, thanks to Florentino's decisive action, which led to the ball reaching Di María's head near the half-way line. He played it to Rafa, who, coming from behind, isolated himself towards Butland's goal and, already in the area, finished neatly (0-1).

Benfica managed to win and continue in the Europa League, reaching the quarter-finals of the competition. It's the third season in a row that the Glorioso have reached this stage of a UEFA competition - in the previous two seasons, 2021/22 and 2022/23, it was in the Champions League.

The draw of the quarter-finals - and the road to the final - of the Europa League is scheduled for this Friday, March 15, at 12 noon in Nyon, Switzerland.