In this fixture, the visitors only need a draw to advance to the last round of 16. However, the hosts will rely on the fact that it has not been easy for any team in the group to pick maximum points in Kazakhstan. Also, the Portuguese side will face harsh weather conditions, with reports suggesting that the cold weather in Kazakhstan could drop up to -3 degrees Celsius. The home side, therefore, has an added advantage ahead of this fixture since they are used to playing under such cold conditions.
The Blue and Yellows have managed to draw with bigwigs such as Galatasaray and Atletico Madrid at the Astana Arena and will be looking for nothing less than a win to revive their hopes of qualifying past the group stages.
The Eagles are top of Group C with nine points, two above second-placed Atletico Madrid. Galatasary and Astana occupy the third and fourth positions with four and two points respectively.
Current Group C standings as of November 24, 2015
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Team news
Astana
The home team welcomes back Patrick Twumasi from suspension. However, they will miss the services of Bauryzhan Dzholchiyev due to suspension.
Benfica
Rui Vitoria’s men will have to play without their top scorer Nicolas Gaitain who is serving a one-game ban. The Argentine has scored three goals for his club in this year’s Champions League campaign.
Nicolas Gaitain in previous action for Benfica. The Manchester United transfer target will not feaure for Benfica against Astana due to suspension.
Which channel is broadcasting Astana vs Benfica on TV or Online?
- US: on various Fox and ESPN channels (check our TV guide for listings)
- Canada: on TSN GO
- UK: on BT Sport Live Streaming and BT Sport 2
To watch Astana vs Benfica live in the USA, tune in to Fox Sports 1 USA, ESPN3 USA, ESPN Deportes TV, Fox Sports GO or Fox Soccer 2GO USA at 10:00 EST. In Canada, TSN GO is the channel to watch the Group C UEFA Champions League encounter at the Astana Arena starting from 10:00 EST. In the UK, you can also watch Astana host Benfica on November 25, 2015 live on BT Sport Live Streaming or BT Sport 2 at 15:00 GMT.
For any other country across the world, visit our live broadcast page for additional broadcast info.
*NOTE: Live broadcast data is subject to change
Quick facts
- The Portuguese side beat Astana 2-0 in Portugal in the first match of the fixture. Kostas Mitroglou scored the first goal and provided an assist
- Benfica have emerged victorious in three of their first four games in this seaon’s Champions League.
- Benfica have not won 12 of their last 14 away games in the Champions League. They have drawn four and lost eight.
- Benfica’s only two away wins was against Anderlecht back in November 2013 and Atletico Madrid in September 2015.
Last five matches in all competitions
Astana: WDLDLD
Benfica: WLLWWW
Probable lineups
Astana: Nenad Eric, Y Akhmetov, Marin Anicic, N Maksimovic, Georgy Zhukov, F Kethevoama, Serikzhan Muzhikov, A Saulet, Abzal Beisebekov, V Mendybayev, Tanat Nusserbayev, Z Kozhamberdy, D Dedechko, Dmitri Shomko
Benfica Squad: Ederson, L Lopez, Luisao (captain), L Fejsa, Andreas Samaris, B Ould-Chikh, Raul Jimenez, Talisca, Konstantinos Mitroglou, J Cesar, Victor Lindelof, E Salvio, Filip Duricic, V Andrade, Nuno Santos, N Semedo
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
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