It goes without saying that Turkey is one of the most difficult places to play a match for an outsider, due to the fact that the fans create an incredible atmosphere. On Thursday, the Benfica players and fans will get a chance to witness the very hostile environment when they travel to take on Fenerbahce in the first leg of the Europa League semi-final.
Off the pitch, the battle between these two clubs has already started to heat up. Fenerbahce's manager Aykut Kocaman, spoke to reporters about Benfica's center backs in a way that left Jorge Jesus surprised.
"He said our center backs were weak? They must be," Jorge Jesus told reporters in Istanbul.
"Garay only plays on a weak national team called Argentina. And Luisao, I'm not sure if he knows, but he also played for a weak national team, it's only Brazil. I guess they are just opinions."
These words from Aykut Kocaman will likely be added fuel for a Benfica side who has been in impressive form during the 2012/13 campaign.
They have yet to lose in the Europa League after failing in their attempt to progress into the knock-out round of the Champions League. Domestically, the Aguias have gone undefeated in the league and find themselves in the final of the Portuguese Cup.
A two leg meeting with Fenerbahce will be anything but easy, but the host's Christian Baroni believes that his side has all it takes to eliminate the Portuguese side.
"Benfica is a strong side, with very talented players who are very quick with the ball at their feet," said the Brazilian midfielder.
"This is an important and historic match for the club. We are going to do everything possible to make it through to the final."
Coming into this match fresh off a defeat against Genclerbirli should give the hosts some added incentive to set things straight on Thursday. Looking at their home record in the Europa League, they should feel confident of being able to obtain a positive result, despite their only loss in the current European campaign coming at home against Borussia Monchengladbach, by a score line of 0-3.
Benfica on the other hand will arrive in Istanbul full of confidence after having defeated their same city rivals Sporting on Sunday. A 2-0 victory gave Jorge Jesus' side a lift of confidence heading into this match, but the Portuguese manager is aware that the result in Thursday's match will not determine who goes through.
"We know that this match will not dictate who will go through to the final," said Jorge Jesus as he was speaking about his players not being affected by the atmosphere in Turkish stadiums.
"Normally, Benfica scores everywhere, regardless of the atmosphere. That is exactly what we will be looking to accomplish tomorrow. For years now, the Benfica players have been getting accustomed to atmospheres just like the one they will encounter on Thursday."
The war of words has already begun well before the match will even kick off. An away goal for Benfica would be very important to take back home with them to Lisbon, but the hosts will also need to make sure they do not dwell on their defeat from the past weekend.
Fenerbahce has scored in all but two Europa League matches this season, forcing the Benfica back four to be on high alert.
Playing without captain Luisao, Jorge Jesus will likely opt to start Jardel along side Garay. Having taken part in a number of Benfica's matches this season, the Brazilian defender has become a valid option in the Benfica squad in situations like this.
Moussa Sow will also make his return to the Fenerbahce squad after missing out in the 1-1 draw with Lazio due to an injury.
Caner Erkin will miss out due to suspension, while Enzo Perez and Andre Almeida will also be watching from the stands for the same reason.
This should be a very entertaining match not only because of the atmosphere, but these two sides have a significant amount of offensive talent. There will likely be at least two goals in this match, but it would not be a big surprise if it all ended in a draw.
Since Benfica defeated Fenerbahce 7-0 back in the 1975/76 season in the second leg, these two sides have not met again. Could we be in for another high scoring match? The first leg in Turkey ended in a 1-0 victory for the hosts.
Prediction
Fenerbahce 1-1 Benfica
