Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 3/5
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Signing off their Champions League group stage adventure on Wednesday night, Real Madrid will travel to Lisbon when they meet Benfica.
Benfica
Starting with the hosts, falling to a 2-0 loss away at Juventus last week, Benfica are now seeking a real miracle in the race to scrape a knockout stage ticket. Putting just six points on the board from any of their seven Champions League appearances this season, Jose Mourinho’s men have won just a trio of their previous seven appearances across all competitions and they have shown some recent inconsistencies. However, despite facing a heavyweight challenge on Wednesday night, the former Real Madrid boss will be excited by his side’s extended success on home soil. Last seen over the weekend securing a routine 4-0 romp against Estrela, Mourinho’s side have won all of their previous four consecutive showdowns at the Estadio da Luz by an aggregate score of 10-1. Despite being pencilled in as a real underdog contender in midweek, the Portuguese heavyweights will be confident of asking some questions.
Benfica Team News
Although summer recruit Richard Rios might be inching towards a return, the former Palmeiras youngster is not expected to feature here. Likewise, all still dealing with respective injury issues, the likes of Alexander Bah, Dodi Lukebakio and Joao Veloso remain on the sidelines.
While attacking talisman Vangelis Pavlidis might have missed from the spot away in Turin last week, the Greek international will spearhead Benfica’s charge in the final third. While Nicolas Otamendi might turn 38 next month, the former Manchester City star will start at the heart of Mourinho’s defence.
Real Madrid
As for the visitors, drawing a line under Xabi Alonso’s eight-month tenure earlier in the month, Real Madrid have certainly endured a turbulent time behind the scenes. However, despite getting Alvaro Arbeloa’s temporary reign underway with an infamous Copa del Rey exit at the hands of Segunda outfit Albacete on January 14th, Los Blancos have come roaring back in an eye-catching fashion. Putting in a sensational European performance at the Bernabeu last week as they cruised their way to a 6-1 romp against Monaco, Madrid will be seeking a repeat display here. Winning each of their previous three appearances across all competitions, the 15-time European champions have already breezed their way to yet another knockout stage ticket. Putting 15 points on the board from their seven Champions League showdowns, Arbeloa’s superstar squad will be hoping to make another statement on foreign soil.
Real Madrid Team News
All dealing with respective injury issues, Los Blancos will be unable to call upon the defensive quartet of Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy, Antonio Rudiger and former Liverpool ace Trent Alexander-Arnold here. However, serving a one-match domestic suspension against Villarreal over the weekend, Aurelien Tchouameni will return to Madrid’s travelling squad.
Shattering a string of records this season and remarkably notching 11 goals in his six Champions League appearances, French skipper Kylian Mbappe will be looking to extend on his astonishing run of form. Returning from a knee injury earlier in the month, Dani Carvajal could get some more minutes under his belt.
Benfica vs Real Madrid Key Factors to Consider
- Thursday’s showdown in Lisbon will remarkably be the first Champions League meeting between Benfica and Real Madrid.
- Los Blancos have registered 15 points from their seven Champions League appearances this season.
- Benfica have won their previous four showdowns in Lisbon across all competitions by an aggregate score of 10-1.
- French skipper Kylian Mbappe has notched a staggering 11 goals in his six Champions League appearances this season.
- Madrid’s seven Champions League appearances this season have produced 27 goals at both ends of the pitch.
Conclusion
Already cruising their way to a knockout stage ticket, Real Madrid will simply be looking to sign off their group stage adventure with a statement of intent on foreign soil. Putting in a sensational performance last week as they stormed their way to an empathic 6-1 romp at home against Monaco, Los Blancos will be dreaming of a repeat performance here. However, with Benfica winning each of their previous four straight showdowns in Lisbon by an aggregate score of 10-1, chances could come thick and fast on Wednesday night.
Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 3/5
Bookmaker: Dachbet
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