Maccabi Haifa-Benfica is a match for the sixth day of the Champions League group stage and will be played on Wednesday at 21:00: statistics, likely formations, predictions, live TV and streaming
Massimiliano Allegri’s Juventus’ hopes of at least qualifying for the Europa League play-offs inevitably hinge on the outcome of this match. Bonucci and his team-mates are already out of the Champions League and the risk is to be mocked by Maccabi Haifa, who, after having inflicted one of the most humiliating defeats in their history on the Old Lady, dream of a resounding overtaking on the very last day. The situation is as follows: Psg and Benfica are in the round of 16 and will compete against each other to see who will advance from first in the standings and will therefore have the advantage of being seeded in the next draw in Nyon. The Parisians are currently slightly ahead on goal difference (the direct clashes both ended in a draw).
The objective for Roger Schmidt’s Lusitanians is obviously to win and try to do so by scoring as many goals as possible, while hoping that Juventus can stop Galtier’s battleship at the Stadium. The same goes for Maccabi Haifa, still in the race for third place, which would mean the Europa League. The Israelis have three points like the Bianconeri but are at a distinct disadvantage in goal difference. Therefore, the only hope is to get a better result than Allegri’s men. To be more clear, if Psg were to defeat Turin, a draw with Benfica would be enough to overtake Juve and eliminate them from everything.
A feat that, however, appears exceedingly difficult against an opponent as in-form as the red and white, still unbeaten in all competitions. The Portuguese team is bursting with health, reaching the round of 16 for the second year in a row, ousting teams of great blazon such as Barcelona and Juventus. Benfica, who also continue to reap success in their home country, have just scored five goals against the unfortunate Chaves, keeping them at the top of the table and remaining +6 over Braga. In Israel, Maccabi also topped the table, with a 3-1 win over Ashdod to overtake Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Barak Bakhar, coach of Maccabi Haifa
The Prediction
Maccabi Haifa were supposed to be limited to being a spectator in this group, but they surprised everyone by playing for third place on the last day. Benfica prevailed 2-0 in the first leg and are obvious favourites, but playing in a bowl like the Israeli one, where both Juventus and Psg have struggled, will not be easy. Better to bet on goals: in front of their home crowd, Maccabi have always scored at least one.
Maccabi Haifa vs Benfica: line-ups
- MACCABI HAIFA (3-4-3): Cohen; Goldberg, Seck, Batubinsika; Cornud, Lavi, Mohamed, Atzili; Tchibota, Pierrot, David.
- BENFICA (4-2-3-1): Vlachodimos; Bah, António Silva, Otamendi, Grimaldo; Aursnes, Florentino; David Neres, Rafa Silva, João Mário; Gonçalo Ramos.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-2
