High-flying Rangers have been warned they will be facing a Benfica side capable of replicating the possession-based style that's made Barcelona famous.
Puffed out Standard Liege midfielder Mehdi Carcela conceded his side were left chasing shadows during their 3-0 Europa League defeat at the Estadio De Luz.
And that victory for the European football giants sets up a mouthwatering unbeaten showdown in Group D between themselves and Steven Gerrard 's side on Thursday night in the Portuguese capital.
But Benfica boss Jorge Jesus has been unimpressed with Carcela's review and hopes the Morocco international isn't drawing comparisons with Ronald Koeman's current Catalan side.
After hearing about the commendation, he said: "Barcelona have nothing now.
"I don't want Benfica to be compared with this Barcelona. The (Barcelona) team from some years ago, okay. I wouldn't mind that at all."
Jesus' side have won seven consecutive games in all competitions since being dumped out of Champions League qualifying by PAOK in September.
However, Rangers will head to Portugal with real belief as they remain undefeated this season with signature wins over Willem II, Galatasaray and Standard in Europe.
