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Kick off: Tuesday, 03.11.2015 @20:45
Venue: Estadio da Luz
Head to head record
Galatasaray vs Benfica 2-1 (2015/16 Champions League)
Benfica vs Galatasaray 2-0 (2011/12 Club friendly)
Benfica vs Galatasaray 0-2 (2008/09 UEFA Cup)
Benfica vs Galatasaray prediction
The Portuguese giants are looking to get even with their Turkish opposition after the 2-1 defeat in Istanbul two weeks ago. The return leg is the opportunity for both sides to make an important step towards the next round of the UEFA Champions League.
Payback time
Benfica are looking to retaliate for the loss in Turkey which was seen as the setback for Rui Vitoria’s team in their efforts to secure the spot in the elimination round. The Eagles opened the proceedings with an early goal from Nico Gaitan just two minutes from the off, but were unable to hold on to their lead as Galatasaray turned the game around through Inan’s penalty kick and Podolski’s goal just after the half-hour mark. The Portuguese team are currently level on points with Atletico Madrid who are topping the Group C and will be looking to record an important win in front of their supporters at Estadio da Luz. Rui Vitoria will be hoping that Nico Gaitan could continue with his fine form as the 27-year-old midfielder has been the most outstanding performer of late with his three goals in as many matches of the Europe’s elite competition. The hosts will be also hoping that their striker Jonas could step up against Galatasaray, having scored his eighth goal in his last eight Primera Liga matches in the 4-0 hammering of Tondela last weekend in Portugal. High-margin triumph will have been a huge morale boost for Vitoria’s charges who are well motivated to record a positive result in their Tuesday encounter.
The hosts are without the suspended Andreas Samaris, while Eduardo Salvio will remain on the sidelines with his injury. Ljubomir Fejsa will be given a late fitness test, but is likely to miss the game against the Turkish giants.
Sneijder’s return a boost
Galatasaray’s win over Benfica was their first Champions League win this term and the first in last 11 European games, so the visitors will be looking to build upon the positive home result against the Portuguese opposition. The Aslan are occupying the third position in their group, currently sitting in the place that would relegate them to the Europa League and the following game will be the perfect chance to reaffirm the ambitions in the competition. Galatasaray are traveling to Lisbon on the back of their comprehensive 4-0 home win over Ekisehispor in the Super Lig. In-form Selcuk Inan opened the scorings after only nine minutes and the brace from Yilmaz saw the Aslan go three up before the interval. The convincing triumph was confirmed by Kisa five minutes off the final whistle and the win will have been a boost to the team’s confidence. The return of the suspended Wesley Sneijder to training has been a major boost and there is no doubt that the talismanic playmaker will play an important role in the forthcoming fixture.
Hamza Hamzaoglu will be without Lionel Carole who is still recovering from his injury. Jose Rodriguez and Hamit Altintop have returned to light training, but are unlikely to take part in the Wednesday’s showdown.
Benfica vs Galatasaray betting tip
Both teams are coming into the game on the back of the 4-0 triumphs in their respective leagues and will be looking to continue their fine form on Wednesday at Estadio da Luz. I expect both managers to order full charges from the off and we are surely in for an openly contested affair. Therefore, I will suggest aiming for goals in your bets for this encounter.
Tip: Both teams to score
Odds: 1.87 (8/9) @Unibet
