After a few rumours from the Portuguese and Scottish press, it seems Rangers are finally close to accepting Benfica’s invitation to play in the Eusébio Cup.
Portuguese newspaper A Bola claim sources from both Rangers and Benfica confirmed that the club’s participation in the tournament is ‘practically closed’. It’s bringing special attention in Portugal because Rangers are managed by Pedro Caixinha, who could well be the source of the information.
Although usually played in preseason, this time the Eusébio Cup will be played during the international break in early October, giving Caixinha a chance to take his non-international Rangers players on a little break away from Ibrox.
The change in dates is because Chapecoense were supposed to play the tournament this summer, but were unable to travel due to the Brazilian calendar.
This will be the second time the Eusébio Cup won’t be played in Portugal. It was hosted in Mexico in 2015, and now the city chosen is Toronto.
Whilst Rangers manager Pedro Caixinha is obviously getting most of the attention from the Portuguese press ahead of the match, players like Daniel Candeias, Dalcio and Fabio Cardoso are also mentioned.
Unfortunately, the weather in Toronto won’t be much better than the weather in Glasgow.