What TV channel is Rangers v Benfica? How to watch Europa League tie as unusual kick-off time explained

Everything you need to know ahead of the last 16 second leg at Ibrox

Rangers face Benfica in the second leg of their Europa League last-16 clash at Ibrox on Thursday evening.

The sides are level at 2-2 after the first leg in Lisbon last week where Rangers twice led through Tom Lawrence and Dujon Sterling with Benfica replying each time through an Angel Di Maria penalty and a Connor Goldson own goal.

Another closely fought encounter is anticipated in Glasgow as the current leaders of the Scottish Premiership battle it out with the reigning champions of Portugal for a place in the quarter-finals of UEFA’s second-tier competition.

Rangers host Benfica at Ibrox in the Europa League last 16 second leg. (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group)

Rangers are looking to emulate their run to to the final of two years ago, where they lost to Eintracht Frankfurt on penalties, while Benfica last reached the final in 2014, losing on penalties to Seville, having also lost the previous year’s final to Chelsea.

Rangers have been left "disappointed" with the earlier 5.45pm kick-off time due to TV commitments. The club petitioned UEFA for the usual 8pm slot but their pleas fell on deaf ears. A club statement read: "Despite a robust case being made to UEFA for the fixture to be played in the traditional 20:00 slot, it is instead to begin significantly earlier, primarily due to broadcaster commitments, and thus likely cause significant inconvenience and disruption to our supporters. The club fully sympathises with our loyal supporters for the additional sacrifices they may need to make to attend the match, with this issue falling totally outside of our control."

Rangers v Benfica match details

The Europa League last 16 second leg takes place at Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, on Thursday, March 14, 2024. Kick-off is 5.45pm.

Rangers v Benfica TV channel

The match will be shown live on subscription channel TNT Sports 4 with coverage starting at 5pm.

Rangers v Benfica live stream

TNT Sport subscribers can stream the match live here and through the discovery+ app. Details on how to subscribe can be found here.

Rangers team news

Rangers have a fresh injury concern over Dujon Sterling after the utility player lasted just 34 minutes of the Scottish Cup win over Hibs on Sunday due to a hamstring injury. Todd Cantwell (hamstring), Danilo (knee), Kieran Dowell (leg) and Abdallah Sima (thigh) remain outalong with Oscar Cortes, who had surgery on a muscle injury. Scott Wright is also a doubt having missed the last two matches due to injury.

Match odds

Rangers 37/20, Draw 11/4, Benfica 29/20 – via oddschecker.com.