The passage to the round was only in question for 33 minutes. Those that were needed for Benfica, in the first leg against Midtjylland, to take a double lead and, moreover, to seal qualification at the end of the first half with the third goal that sealed the challenge. Then, in the second half, the team coached by German Schmidt decided just to fly to Denmark for a pleasure trip, scoring the fourth goal and demonstrating – if indeed there was ever any need – that they are clearly superior to the team that will somehow try to take satisfaction today.
Not easy, given what went down in the first leg: a challenge that was never really in question, unblocked immediately and closed before the second half. In short, it should be entertainment in Denmark for the fans who will turn up at the stadium. With the feeling that they might see many goals. A carefree match, both on one side and the other, despite the fact that an important slice of the season is at stake. But everything was decided a week ago.
©Ansafoto
The Prediction
A match of at least three goals in total and at least one goal per team. Benfica have wrapped up their qualification talk in Portugal and will be looking to enjoy themselves this evening. The hosts, on the other hand, will want to take at least some satisfaction. But it will still be difficult. And a lot.
Midtjylland-Benfica
probable line-ups.
MIDTJYLLAND (4-3-3): Olafsson; Dalsgaard, Sviatech, Juninho, Dyhr; Andersson, Sorensen, Charles; Dreyer, Kaba, Sisto.
BENFICA (4-3-3): Vlachodimos; Gilberto, Morato, Otamendi, Grimaldo; Fernandez, Joao Mario, Florentino; Neres, Ramos, Raf Silva.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 1-2
