A home victory over FC Basel for Benfica tonight will book the Eagles’ passage into the knockout phase of the Champions League in double quick time.
What’s more, three points will also give the Lisbon outfit an excellent chance of finishing Group C above Manchester United in top spot, which theoretically would result in a kinder last sixteen draw.
Things are definitively looking up for the Portuguese side. Still unbeaten in 2011/12, Benfica have won their last six games in all competitions.
With up-and-coming striker Rodrigo, who scored a brace on Saturday night against Olhanense, showing signs he could be a real find, and an array of high-quality midfield options in Pablo Aimar, Bruno Cesar, Axel Witsel, Nolito, Matic and Javi Garcia to pick from, it’s little wonder coach Jorge Jesus says he is extremely satisfied with the squad he has at his disposal.
Cover is not so deep in defense, however, and the suspension to left-back Emerson creates a problem given that his natural replacement, Capdevila, was not registered for the Champions League group phase. Jesus intimated in his pre-match press conference that he would either go for an adapted solution, in the form of Miguel Vítor or Maxi Pereira, or could draft in youth player Luis Martins. Spanish anchor-man Javi Garcia remains unfit.
“If we win we will qualify after four games. We are showing our ability,” said Jesus, before firing a warning to his players. “Basel are an excellent team. They are like a Swiss watch. Their model and idea of how to play is always the same.”
Basel started the competition impressively, and came close to beating Manchester United at Old Trafford. But the home defeat to Benfica a fortnight ago means the Swiss side have to pick up at least one point in the Portuguese capital to stay in contention for the knockout phase. Coming off a morale-boosting weekend win, coach Heiko Vogel believes his side have the enough about them to surprise Benfica.
“Benfica have been strong in all their games. We are expecting a tough team. But I have a good feeling about this game. We had a good week, with the 4-1 victory over Grasshoppers.”
Kick-off at 7.45pm local time at the Estádio da Luz.
Things are definitively looking up for the Portuguese side. Still unbeaten in 2011/12, Benfica have won their last six games in all competitions.
With up-and-coming striker Rodrigo, who scored a brace on Saturday night against Olhanense, showing signs he could be a real find, and an array of high-quality midfield options in Pablo Aimar, Bruno Cesar, Axel Witsel, Nolito, Matic and Javi Garcia to pick from, it’s little wonder coach Jorge Jesus says he is extremely satisfied with the squad he has at his disposal.
Cover is not so deep in defense, however, and the suspension to left-back Emerson creates a problem given that his natural replacement, Capdevila, was not registered for the Champions League group phase. Jesus intimated in his pre-match press conference that he would either go for an adapted solution, in the form of Miguel Vítor or Maxi Pereira, or could draft in youth player Luis Martins. Spanish anchor-man Javi Garcia remains unfit.
“If we win we will qualify after four games. We are showing our ability,” said Jesus, before firing a warning to his players. “Basel are an excellent team. They are like a Swiss watch. Their model and idea of how to play is always the same.”
Basel started the competition impressively, and came close to beating Manchester United at Old Trafford. But the home defeat to Benfica a fortnight ago means the Swiss side have to pick up at least one point in the Portuguese capital to stay in contention for the knockout phase. Coming off a morale-boosting weekend win, coach Heiko Vogel believes his side have the enough about them to surprise Benfica.
“Benfica have been strong in all their games. We are expecting a tough team. But I have a good feeling about this game. We had a good week, with the 4-1 victory over Grasshoppers.”
Kick-off at 7.45pm local time at the Estádio da Luz.
