Benfica-Juventus betting preview
Recent stats would suggest that Benfica and Juventus are the best-performing teams in the Europa League. And if you go by popular reckoning too, these are the best teams in the Europa League’s knock-out stages. Had they not met in the semi final of the league, both the teams would have featured in the finals. By that token, the first semi final of the Europa League, between Benfica and Juventus at Estadio da Luz in Lisbon, is more like the Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich semi final of the Champions League.
Benfica received a boost for their Europa campaign last week, when they won the Portuguese Liga Sagres crown last week. With just two rounds of matches remaining in the league, they have established an unassailable lead over the nearest competitor Sporting Lisbon.
A seemingly unassailable lead is what they will look forward against Juventus. The Old Lady will come hard at them when they visit Italy next week. This is the game where Benfica can maximise their efforts. The Portuguese champions have conceded just one goal in the last 13 home games in Liga Sagres. In the Europa League, they maintained clean sheets in two home games, but conceded two goals against Spurs at home.
Juventus cannot afford to lose this battle. Their Europa campaign has attained a bit of a jingoistic hue in the Italian media. Juve’s victory would not just be their alone, but of the whole Italian soccer’s too. While it makes the players produce that extra effort, it could increase the pressure on them too.
Benfica received a blow ahead of the game in the form of injury to Eduardo Salvio. His absence will cut the attacking thrust of the home side. Óscar Cardozo and Lima will hold the key to unlock the Juventus defence.
Carlos Tevez is a doubtful starter for Juve. In his absence, Fernando Llorente and Arturo Vidal will lead the attack along with Andrea Pirlo.
Benfica-Juventus Prediction
Juventus will try hard to get the upper hand, in the form of either a win or a 1-1 or 2-2 draw. A draw appears to be a realistic result.
Juventus or Draw 1.50 @ Bet365
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