How to beat Benfica as Rangers given the masterplan with 2 key weaknesses pinpointed by insider

Keep it tight and play with courage - and you'll have every chance of beating a Benfica team who have vulnerabilities to expose.

That's the view of former Hearts boss Paulo Sergio who gave Rangers the inside track on their Europa League last 16 opponents. It's one of the standout ties from the last-16 draw as the Premiership leaders face the Portuguese Primeira Liga top dogs in Lisbon a week on Thursday before the decider at Ibrox a week later and both sides are currently in excellent form.

Philippe Clement's team smashed five past Hearts at the weekend and 24 hours later, Benfica dished out a thumping of their own. Portimonense, managed by Hearts' famous Scottish Cup-winning boss Sergio, came to town, and left with their tails between their legs after a 4-0 hammering. But Sergio believes there was more to that one than means the eye. Although his side were well beaten eventually in the Estadio da Luz, he pointed out that they missed several first half opportunities before a second half blitz saw Benfica score three goals in four minutes.

And he believes Benfica offers teams opportunities with their style of football. Sergio said: "We managed to create five good chances in the first half against Benfica because we troubled them with our movement. The way they play, you can create chances if you are prepared to attack.

"If you are solid defensively against Benfica, then you have a chance and we were in the first half. But we had a mad four minute spell where Benfica were very effective and we somehow conceded three goals. That's what they can do - they are a very good attacking side. I certainly don't think it was a game that should have ended 4-0 to Benfica."

Benfica must face bitter rivals Sporting Lisbon away in