With a narrow 1:0 defeat away against Zenit two weeks ago, Benfica unfortunately lost all the competitive motives in the group having nothing to play for in the last round. Five matches in Champions League, they got one victory, a draw and two defeats, which won’t be enough even for a Europa League ticket race.
As for domestic league, things are looking much better, with the team having four victories in a row, improved morale and first position with three points more than their biggest rival from Porto. Home side will be without suspended Benfica will be without the suspended central defender Luisao (5/0) who was sent off against Zenit in last round and defensive midfielder Andreas Samaris (5/0) as he picked up third yellow card in the competition. Left back Eliseu (3/0) and defender Silvio (no appearance this season) both remain absent with injuries. With nothing to play for, Benfica is almost sure to give some playing time to youngsters in order to get much needed experience.
Leverkusen, on the other hand, might feel like robbed in the previous Champions League game, as the team had more of the ball possession and much more chances created, but still suffered a narrow 1:0 home defeat against Monaco, French side that actually had only two good chances in the match.
Even so, Germans remained at the first position in the group and in case of a victory here, they have a chance to secure
the first position disregarding the outcome of other match. In any case, they also can’t end up third and playing in Europa League. Generally, in domestic league they aren't showing their full potential, with the team being currently only fourth, behind Bayern, Wolfsburg and Augsburg. Right back Giulio Donati (11/) is doubtful, while Roberto Hilbert could again start at his position. Castro will play in midfield with Stefan Reinartz (12/0) still injured. Central defender and sometimes defensive midfielder, Kyriakos Papadopoulos (5/1) is still out injured as well.
There have been under 2.5 goals scored in Benfica’s last 3 games in the Champions League. If Benfica had something to play for here, they would probably be close favorites, but in this case, they will probably end up with with a negative result. Leverkusen has much bigger motivation in this one and is now much closer to get the victory, even though the draw still can’t be excluded.
Bet: Leverkusen 0 Asian handicap
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