Benfica vs Olympique Marseille Match Preview
Benfica has not locked horns with Olympique Marseille since the semi-finals of the 1989/90 European Champion Clubs' Cup. The Portuguese powerhouse is ready to flex their muscles as Marseille comes riding into town. Benfica has won all five of their European home matches this season. In fact their aggregate scoreline at home is a staggering 17-1 for the 2009/10 season. On the other hand, the French are carrying an unbeaten away record in their last 3 missions (2 wins and a draw).
Oscar Cardozo is blazing missiles in the back of the old onion bag, while Benfica remains on top of standings in Portugal. He has 26 total in all competitions and is set to break Nuno Gomes (34 goals) record from 1998/99. Benfica won comfortably this weekend against P. Ferreira. The boss, Jorge Jesus was disappointed at the lack of efficiency his team showed in front of goal. He exclaimed, "We set a high pace to the game and we made our opponents run. Cardozo, Maxi, Di Maria and even Luisao looked a bit jaded because of the International games in midweek." I'm sure Benfica will rise to the occasion with this challenge. They have a plethora of offensive weapons; players who can beat you with trickery and intense pace. David Luiz can lead the back line with his hard-nosed defending. Jesus should have his side willing and ready to take it to the French side on Thursday.
Lucho Gonzalez will lead his squad back into hostile territory that he knows ever so well. The Ex Porto man has been in good form recently with 7 goals and 6 assists. He spoke on his recent success, " Every football player has his own characteristics. And luckily, the ball is often in an area where I am… The important thing is that the team continues to play as it does now." Marseille suffered a small setback, drawing with Lorient 1-1 over the weekend. A draw doesn't necessarily stop the collective momentum of the club. Niang, Ligue 1's top scorer could possibly try to open up Benfica with raw talent and absolute power. Marseille is full of confidence and should be able to overlook the loss of Gabriel Heinze in the back.
