BREAKING NEWS: Rangers will host the Brazilian wonderkid after a rumored £15.7 million deal.
While Alfredo Morelos returns to scoring goals for Santos, the player that the former Rangers striker replaced is making big plays against Benfica, a Europa League rival.
The 27-year-old firebrand from Colombia, Morelos, has already scored twice in three games for the Brazilian powerhouses as they attempt to recover from their first-ever relegation.
However, when Rangers advance to the Ibrox side, they might have to play against the guy Alfredo Morelos is replacing in the shoes of Benfica forward Marcos Leonardo.
The Brazilian striker, who cost over $20 million (£15.7 million) to sign, is already establishing his worth in Portugal as he makes his maiden venture into European competition.
Marcos Leonardo will play for Benfica against Rangers.
Marcos Leonardo, who joined Benfica in January, is one of the forwards Rangers will have to watch out for. He has already scored four goals for the Liga Portugal leaders.
The Brazilian joins a group of talented attackers at the Estadio de Luz that includes Angel di Maria, Rafa, Joao Mario, Arthur Cabral, David Neres, and Casper Tengstedt.
Rangers’ forward line may have shown off over the weekend, but they won’t be afraid of anyone as they try to advance to the Europa League quarterfinals.
The Ibrox team faces still another obstacle in the form of Marco Leonardo, whose high price and media attention provide an additional advantage.
Leonardo had just one appearance in the Europa League, coming off the bench in the thrilling 2-1 victory over Toulouse at home. He will next play Rangers in the Round of 16.
Gers will be hoping for a Europa League spot.
Benfica is by no means unbeatable, even though Philippe Clement himself admits that Rangers are the “underdogs” in this Europa League matchup.
Rangers may be feeling confident about their prospects against the Portuguese after losing to Real Sociedad and Inter Milan in a Champions League group.
The Ibrox team has been inspired by Philippe Clement’s never-say-die mentality and by their run to the 2022 Europa League Final in Seville, as well as their victory over Real Betis.
Whether Marcos Leonardo plays or not, Rangers won’t be intimidated by Benfica’s visit in a thrilling Europa League match that might go either way.