STADIUM OF FRIGHT
Benfica ended Steven Gerrard’s reign as captain of the kings of Europe when they dethroned Champions League holders Liverpool 14 years ago.
But the Rangers boss is convinced his stars can shine brightly in Lisbon’s Stadium of Light when the Group D rivals put their perfect records on the line.
Gerrard suffered defeat as a player twice at the Estadio da Luz – with the most painful coming the season after the Miracle of Istanbul as they went down to the Portuguese giants at the last-16 stage.
Ronald Koeman was Benfica boss at the time and a 1-0 home win was followed by a shock 2- 0 victory at Anfield as they piled on the misery for Gerrard & Co.
The Ibrox boss faced them again four years later and, despite going down 2-1 in Lisbon, they did recover to win 4-1 in the return and progress to the Europa League semi-finals where they lost to Atletico Madrid.
Now Gerrard is preparing to take on the Portuguese league leaders as a boss following today’s trip to Rugby Park, as Gers look to continue their impressive start in Europe.
Benfica are f lying high themselves with Thursday’s 3- 0 win over Standard Liege their seventh on the spin in all competitions ahead of tomorrow’s league clash at Boavista.
Their only defeat of the season came in the Champions League qualifier at PAOK Salonika and they are eyeing a record against Gerrard’s side.
If the Portuguese cracks avoid defeat then they will equal Zenit St Petersburg’s record of 23 consecutive home games undefeated in UEFA’s second-tier competition.
The Light Blues gaffer will be looking to end that – just as Benfica did with his reign as a European champion. He said: “The tie is coming at a good time.
“I look around my squad and where we are now – it is something for the players to enjoy and challenge themselves to get a positive result.
“We want to test ourselves and are looking forward to the match.
“Benfica have come out of Pot One so naturally will be the favourites in the group. But what a mouth-watering game for us to challenge ourselves in.
“We’re playing against a major force in Europe who have big experience at this level and the Champions League.
“They recruit exceptionally well from certain areas of the world and bring in a lot of talented players.
“We have already started watching Benfica. They are a good team with top individual players.
“It is no surprise they have started the group the way they have.”
Gerrard’s immediate focus is on today’s high-noon kick-off in Ayrshire where a victory over bogey team Kilmarnock would see Gers move nine points clear at the top of the league.
The Light Blues lost on their last trip down the M77 when Alex Dyer’s men came from behind to win and put a huge dent in their faltering title challenge.
Gers have managed just one win in their last eight league visits with Connor Goldson’s last-gasp header on the first day of last season earning the points.
Following Thursday’s 1- 0 win over Lech Poznan, which made it 17 games unbeaten this season, Gerrard said: “The schedule is a huge challenge.
“But if you’re in a good place and winning, then it breeds confidence and belief. It can help you to roll into games very quickly.
“We’re not getting much time on the training pitch so have to do more off the pitch in the auditorium or classroom in terms of preparation.
“Listen, the players are happy, smiling and bouncing into work. We’ve good options and people are really chomping at the bit for game time.
“I couldn’t ask for anything more in terms of the players. This will be a big challenge against Killie because we had to put a lot in on Thursday night.
“It was a heavy pitch, so that will come into my thinking when I’m picking the team.
“We treat every game and opposition with respect, whether it be domestically or in Europe.
“We know it’s a tricky game against Kilmarnock and our record is not as good as it should have been.
“At times, we’ve come away from Rugby Park feeling frustrated because we’ve felt we deserved more.
“We’ve been in control then the momentum has changed and the crowd had gotten behind them.
“I wouldn’t say they’ve stolen points
off us but they’ve managed to knock us out of our stride.
“But this is a different game and we’re going there in good form. I’m confident if we perform to our level and what we’re capable of then it can be enough.”
Despite the games coming thick and fast, and his commitments with Northern Ireland, Steven Davis is showing no signs of slowing down despite being just two months short of his 36th birthday.
Gerrard said: “He is full of confidence. I am proud and happy with all of the leaders in the leadership group.
“You look at Goldson, McGregor, Arfield, Tavernier, players who are maybe a little bit older, they are setting the standard for the younger lads to follow.
“I am pleased with them all. My advice to Steve is to play as long as you can.
“I wish I had played on a little bit longer myself because you certainly miss it.
“They are the best days of your life. Coaching and management are nowhere as good.”