Benfica – Juventus : Preview & Prediction
This is a pivotal UEFA Champions League (UCL) clash for both Benfica and Juventus, with the home side sitting in second place. Going into this matchday, they are top and tied with Paris Saint-Germain on eight points, meaning a win would guarantee a top-two finish in Group H, although a draw would also be enough if Maccabi Haifa fail to beat PSG at the Parc des Princes.
However, there is no doubt that the Portuguese side will be looking to get the job done themselves, especially given the level they are at. Benfica’s last official defeat came in May against Porto, a loss they avenged last weekend after beating their title rivals 1-0 in domestic action, extending their official unbeaten run to 20 matches (G17, E3). They also boast a formidable home record in European competition, losing just three of their last 23 appearances (G14, E6) at the Estádio da Luz.
That will be a concern for Juventus, whose Champions League ambitions are hanging by a thread after picking up just three points so far (P3), and as a result they sit five points behind their opponents and must win this clash to have any chance of reaching the UCL knockout stage for the ninth consecutive season. However, they have lost each of their last three games against Benfica in Lisbon, and also suffered a 2-1 defeat despite taking the lead during the last meeting between them in Turin, making it five Juve defeats in the last seven meetings between these two clubs at any venue.
Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri spoke confidently over the weekend when referring to this important match, stating that his team is “not out of the Champions League yet.” They have won their last two games domestically without conceding goals’, and the first of this streak ended a winless sequence away from home that spanned eight official games (E2, P6), so Allegri can believe that his side are showing signs of a turnaround that could continue here.
Players to watch: Benfica midfielder Florentino Luís has been a presence to be feared in this season’s UCL competition, and there are only two players who have made more tackles than him so far (17). On the other hand, Adrien Rabiot is not normally known for his ability in front of goal, however, he has scored four of Juventus’ last eight official goals.
Key stat: Benfica have scored two or more goals in eight of their nine official home games this season (G8, E1).
Benfica – Juventus : Betting Tips
Benfica – Win Odds: 2.25
