Benfica vs Juventus - Competition: UEFA Europa League
Match date: 24 April 2014 - Kick Off Time: 20:05 GMT
Venue: Estadio da Luz
Match date: 24 April 2014 - Kick Off Time: 20:05 GMT
Venue: Estadio da Luz
Portuguese giants Benfica host Scudetto holders Juventus in the Europa
League semi-finals first leg just few days after clinching the Primeira
Liga title.
Benfica enter this monumental clash with the Italian giants as the current leaders of the Portuguese Primeira Liga. With a 7-point lead on Sporting Lisbon, the Eagles have officially put an end to a 3-year league title drought that saw crosstown rivals FC Porto establish a brief dynasty. The hosts started the season in disappointing fashion, losing to Maritimo
on the road 2-1. But then it all started clicking, as the Lisbon-based
club have currently strung together 27 league games unbeaten. They
managed an astonishing 23 wins in that stretch, including taking all 3
points from their last 11 matches. Furthermore, they’ve kept 5 straight
clean sheets in league action. Cardozo and Rodrigo always pose a threat in attack for the Eagles, and their experience could prove vital when dealing with a tough Juve
backline. The hosts will certainly have their hands full with one of
the most talented midfields in the world, but they’re also eager to
correct 2013′s disappointing last-minute loss to Chelsea in the finals.
Probable lineups Benfica: Moraes – Pereira, Luisao, Garay, Siqueira – Salvio, Andre Gomes, Perez, Gaitan – Lima, Rodrigo
JJuventus are also set to win their domestic title, which would give them
a third successive Serie A success. They have an eight point lead at
the top of Serie A with just four rounds of matches remaining. The
Bianconeri managed to lose their second game of the season last week
when they faced third placed Napoli at the end of March. Since then they
have done pretty well of late, winning their last five fixtures in all
competitions.
Bonucci and Lichtsteiner, both suspended last weekend, will be recalled. Tevez continues to battle a thigh niggle for Juve, but Andrea Barzagli did return in Saturday's 1-0 win over Bologna. Vidal is doubtful too and the Chilean, just like Tevez, is unlikely to be risked from the start.
Bonucci and Lichtsteiner, both suspended last weekend, will be recalled. Tevez continues to battle a thigh niggle for Juve, but Andrea Barzagli did return in Saturday's 1-0 win over Bologna. Vidal is doubtful too and the Chilean, just like Tevez, is unlikely to be risked from the start.
Probable lineups Juventus: Buffon – Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini – Isla, Marchisio, Pirlo, Pogba, Asamoah – Llorente, Tevez.
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