The eventful 0-0 draw in Istanbul has left everything to be decided in Lisbon: the clash between Benfica and Fenerbahçe will be decided at Da Luz, and only one team will qualify for the group stage of the next Champions League. But let’s take a step back: we described the 0-0 draw as “eventful” (almost an oxymoron) because a lot happened in Turkey, despite the scoreless result. In fact, there were plenty of chances for both sides, with José Mourinho’s team having the opportunity to take the lead in the final minutes after Benfica midfielder Florentino Luis was sent off in the 71st minute.
It was a considerable test of resilience for the Portuguese side, even though the defense once again rose to the occasion: in the six official matches played since the season restarted, Bruno Lage’s team has kept a clean sheet every time, including the last league match against Tondela, which they won 3-0.
Over the weekend, Fenerbahçe recorded their first Super Lig win, comfortably beating Kocaelispor 3-1 in front of their home crowd. Mourinho’s attention, however, is entirely focused on the cup, aware that it will take a great effort to conquer Da Luz and bring the yellow and blues back to the Champions League after a 15-year wait. It would be almost like winning a title. The Portuguese coach is unlikely to make any major changes to the starting eleven from seven days ago, confirming the attacking duo of Duran and En-Nesyri. Benfica will be without the suspended Florentino Luis. In his place, Lage could field former Juventus player Barrenechea in midfield, with Barreiro and Rios playing in the central midfield roles.
Odds comparison
Benfica’s victory is quoted at 1.60 on Lottomatica and 1.57 on Snai. The “Goal” sign is quoted at 1.80 on Lottomatica and 1.73 on Snai.
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The prediction
Overall, Benfica has something more than Fenerbahçe, which will have to play a perfect game to win at Da Luz and qualify. Unlike in the first leg, the Portuguese will certainly be more daring, while Mourinho’s team will focus first on defending and then attacking on the counter. In our opinion, the Lisbon team will come out on top in a match with at least one goal for each side. The second half could be more prolific.
Probable lineups for Benfica-Fenerbahçe
BENFICA (4-3-3): Trubin; Dedic, Antonio Silva, Otamendi, Dahl; Rios, Barrenechea, Barreiro; Aursnes, Pavlidis, Akturkoglu.
FENERBAHCE (3-4-1-2): Egribayat; Muldur, Skirniar, Oosterwolde; Semedo, Amrabat, Fred, Brown; Szymanski; Duran, En-Nesyri.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-1