Benfica will welcome Club Brugge at the Estadio da Luz in the second leg of the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday. The Eagles already have a foot in the next stage of the competition after recording a comfortable 2-0 win in the first leg, and will aim to secure at least a draw at home to ensure safe passage.
Benfica will go into the European game on a four-game winning run in all competitions. Over the weekend, they added to their bid to win the Portuguese Primeira by defeating Famalicao 2-0 at home. A brace by Gonçalo Ramos helped them establish an eight point lead over second-placed Porto.
Although a different test awaits in the Champions League, not much is expected to change as far as Benfica's approach and performance is concerned. The posibility of reaching back-to-back quarter-finals of the Champions League for the first time in their 119-year history is too glaring and they will be hoping to do enough to see this through.
On the other hand, Club Brugge will look to do the unthinkable when they travel to Estadio da Luz on Tuesday night. After putting together a remarkable underdog story in the group stage, the Blegian club is on the brink of elimination from Europe's elite competition.
Indeed, they have been a shadow of themselves since football action resumed after the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and, against Benfica, they will hope to instigate a renaissance with a good result. Scott Parker's side approach the game with just one win to their name in their last six games.
Over the weekend, they suffered another set back in the quest secure a place for European football next season, losing to a 3-0 away defeat against Oostende. The result added to their atypical run of winning just one game in their last six appearances across all competitions.
Key stats and head-to-head record: Benfica vs Club Brugge
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Last month, Benfica and Club Brugge faced each other for the first time in the Champions League, resulting in a 2-0 win for Benfica.
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Benfica have remained unbeaten in the Champions League this season and has scored a minimum of two goals in five out of seven games.
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On the other hand, Club Brugge have failed to win in their last four Champions League games after winning their first three matches.
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Club Brugge have not been able to score in their last four UEFA Champions League games. However, Benfica has remained undefeated in all competitions at home this season, winning their last three games consecutively.
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Club Brugge was unable to score in their away games during the group stage of the competition and has not won any of their last three away games, failing to score in two games within that period.
Team news: Benfica vs Club Brugge
Benfica coach Schmidt does not have any significant injury concerns among his first-team regulars. However, Mihailo Ristic (muscle) and Julian Draxler (ankle) are both sidelined. On a more positive note, Chiquinho and Goncalo Guedes have recovered from muscular and knee problems, respectively. Additionally, right-back Alexander Bah is fit and only restricted to gym work on Monday.
In contrast, for Club Brugge, Hendry, who was the first-leg villain, sustained an injury to his quadriceps during the win over Gent and requires further evaluation. Furthermore, Andreas Skov Olsen is unavailable as he recuperates from an appendix surgery.
Broadcast information: Benfica vs Club Brugge
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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