UEFA Champions League play-off Preview: Benfica vs. FC Twente second Leg
FC Twente travel to Estadio da Luz to face Benfica in the second-leg of their UEFA Champions League play-off and will be looking for a win after coming back to draw the game 2-2 at home last week.
Benfica
The Reds finally ended their run of two consecutive draws in Europe and the league, when they cruised to victory in their home game against Feirense.
Although the visitors did not pose a real threat to Benfica during the Liga Sagres encounter, they still managed to level things against the run of play. In need of dire inspiration, the Lisbon side pressed on for a winner and were eventually rewarded for
their efforts when Paraguayan star http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Maxi-Pereira-c25004 through ball and calmly finished the great passing move.
The icing on the cake was added by substitute http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Bruno-César-c8112, who found the net in injury time to record the first win for Benfica in the new 2011/2012 campaign.
Manager http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jorge-c19120 Jesus was mightily impressed with his side’s spirit and will be looking to imitate their feats when FC Twente come visiting.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/FC-Twente-c39233
FC Twente showed their strength over the weekend, as they crushed the lowly http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/SC-Heerenveen-c40463 in a 5-1 romping at Abe Lenstra Stadion.
The Tukkers were overwhelming favourites for the clash but hardly anyone expected them to tear the opposition apart with their fluid passing movement and direct attacking formation.
Co Adriaanse saw some great performances in the match by the likes of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Marc-Janko-c23484 who stole the show by netting an impressive brace, further adding to his already glowing reputation.
Team News:
Benfica:
The Portuguese outfit have one of the most talented squads in the country and will be looking for nothing other than a victory at home.
Oscar Cardozo, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Axel-Witsel-c7029, who was not a part of Jorge Jesus’ plan against Feirense, is also likely to take be in
the starting eleven.
However, the most notable inclusion will be that of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Joan-Capdevila-c18631, who finally made his debut for Benfica in the Portuguese league. The defender signed from Villarreal in the summer but failed to register his documents on time and as a result has unnecessarily
been sidelined for the opening fixtures. In his absence, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Emerson-c12442 has been playing as the left-back but he is likely to be on the bench, with Capdevila’s return.
Other than that, Jorge Jesus has a fully fit squad to choose from and will probably be fielding his most strong line-up.
FC Twente:
Co Adriaanse has a relatively full team to choose from but faces the prospect of losing Bryan Ruiz to Fulham.
The Cottagers have upped their interest in the http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Costa-c9458 Rican and are reportedly close to landing their man. With his departure, Twente will not only lose a great goalscorer but a player who inspired the team to victory on many accounts.
Although Bryan Ruiz might on be his way to Craven Cottage, the Tukkers can rely on Marc Janko after his scintillating display against SC Heerenveen.
Besides Janko, Luuk de Jong and Emir Bajrami have also impressed in the Eredivisie and could play a pivotal part for their side when they travel to Lisbon.
Key Players:
Benfica: Nolito
The diminutive forward made was to Estadio da Luz from Camp Nou earlier in the transfer window and has truly established himself as a top-class goal-poacher. Scoring 5 goals in 5 appearances, he is in red-hot form and will definitely be the one to watch.
FC Twente: Bryan Ruiz
Although he could possibly be on his way to English Premier League, Bryan Ruiz remains the heart and soul of his side. Without his exceptional services, FC Twente would be an ordinary team, hardly standing a chance against the mighty Benfica.
Prediction:
Benfica 2:1 FC Twente
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