Benfica boss Jorge Jesus believes there is a 90 per cent chance of them and Rangers qualifying from their Europa League group.
And that’s after he saw his side thumped 3-0 by Boavista at the weekend.
The Portuguese cracks now host Steven Gerrard’s men in their Group D clash in Lisbon on Thursday.
Both won their opening games against Lech Poznan and Standard Liege respectively, with Alfredo Morelos’ heading the winner for the Gers at Ibrox last Thursday.
And now Jesus claims this week's encounter takes on more importance after their domestic slip up, for which he blamed himself.
"I could see early on in the game it wasn't going right for us and I only made two changes for this game when I should have changed tactics and half the team,” he admitted.
"I think I made a mistake and should know better in my experience. Even making five early substitutes didn't change anything.
"We didn't have the same defensive organisation as usual and the defeat was a surprise I admit.
"Nobody likes to lose and a defeat is demoralising. The consequence of that, when you are at a big club like Benfica, is criticism and I accept that.
"It makes this week's game against Rangers all the more important.
"We are playing a very good side who have two wins in the group, like us. I think there is a 90 per cent chance we will both qualify from the group.
"With the hectic schedule of games just now, there is no time to ponder that defeat. It's important we recover quickly and prepare for the challenge of playing against Rangers."
