Bayern Munich carry a minuscule 1-0 lead to the Estadio da Luz against Benfica this midweek, knowing that the fact that they did not concede an away goal in the first leg will count for a lot.
Benfica may have the perfect chance to hit them on the break, but there is always the threat of Pep Guardiola’s side scoring more than one goal, which if it indeed happens, will spell the end of Benfica’s run in the Champions League.
Lineups
Benfica
Benfica are faced with a rather difficult task in this fixture, as they get ready to take on Bayern without their top striker Jonas Oliviera. The Brazilian has been instrumental for Benfica this season, scoring 30 goals in their league campaign so far. Jonas is suspended for the game after having picked up a booking in the first leg.
Possible Starting XI (4-4-2): Morares; Eliseu, Jardel, Lindelof, Almeida; Pizzi, Sanches, Fejsa, Guedes; Mitroglou, .
Bayern Munich
It is expected to be pretty much a full-strength squad for Bayern Munich, as the Bavarians look to protect their slender lead. Defenders Jerome Boateng and Holger Badstuber are injured, but the Bavarians have shown that they can cope without the two, with fullback David Alaba shifting to the centre-back position.
Possible Starting XI (4-1-4-1): Neuer; Bernat, Alaba, Kimmich, Lahm; Vidal; Ribery, Thiago, Muller, D.Costa; Lewandowski.
Key Stats
- Bayern Munich have six clean sheets from their last nine matches in all competitions.
- The Bavarians have also scored 10 goals in their last five matches in all competitions.
- Pep Guardiola’s men are on a six-match unbeaten streak in the Champions League.
- Benfica have scored 12 goals in their last five matches in all competitions.
- They have also conceded seven goals in their last five Champions League matches.
Prediction
Benfica 1-1 Bayern Munich
Benfica did well to contain the Bavarians in the latter’s 1-0 win at the Allianz Arena in the first leg, but Bayern Munich might be too strong a team to overcome over the course of the two legs. It will be more difficult for Bayern to eke out a win at the Estadio da Luz, but a 1-0 lead from the home leg is a big advantage for them, as they managed to not concede an away goal. This could play a big part in deciding the fixture.
Odds (Paddy Power)
- Benfica: 9/2
- Draw: 11/4
- Bayern Munich: 4/6