Benfica will get their Champions League campaign started in Scotland against Celtic FC. The Portuguese side will have some key players missing for their opening match.
Last season Benfica came out of a group that featured English side Manchester United. In a group with Barcelona, the Aguias shouldn't have a chance at the top spot. A second place finish is well in the cards for Benfica, but Celtic and Spartak Moscow will have a say as well.
Playing away from home, Jorge Jesus will need to make sure his side is fully focused because the home side is capable of pulling off a victory as history has shown.
Without Brazilian captain Luisao, Benfica will need to focus even more. Jorge Jesus believes he has sorted out his captain's absence, but he is prepared for every scenario.
"We were and still are prepared for all the scenarios. No one can doubt the value of Luisao, especially because of the impact he has within the side, but we have other players who we have been preparing for situations like this one," said Jesus.
Getting a win against Celtic will be a great start to their campaign, especially if they want to send a message that they are out to claim a spot in the next round.
"Since I have been with Benfica, we have always been in the Champions League and we have some experience in this competition. This is a group where all the teams have equal opportunities to qualify, which is why a victory will be important," said the Benfica manager.
Playing away to Celtic will be a difficult challenge for Benfica, but having a significant amount of experience in their squad should help them throughout the match. Celtic's fans will get behind the team and will make it a difficult environment for the Portuguese. A draw seems the most probable result, but a victory for Benfica is possible.
Notable Absences:
Maxi Pereira is out due to suspension
Luisao is out due to suspension
A Few Facts:
Celtic has only lost two of 18 matches at home in the Champions League
In four meetings between these two, the home side always wins
Neither team has managed to score away from home when up against each other
Benfica has a +8 goal difference in their last two matches
Playing away from home, Jorge Jesus will need to make sure his side is fully focused because the home side is capable of pulling off a victory as history has shown.
Without Brazilian captain Luisao, Benfica will need to focus even more. Jorge Jesus believes he has sorted out his captain's absence, but he is prepared for every scenario.
"We were and still are prepared for all the scenarios. No one can doubt the value of Luisao, especially because of the impact he has within the side, but we have other players who we have been preparing for situations like this one," said Jesus.
Getting a win against Celtic will be a great start to their campaign, especially if they want to send a message that they are out to claim a spot in the next round.
"Since I have been with Benfica, we have always been in the Champions League and we have some experience in this competition. This is a group where all the teams have equal opportunities to qualify, which is why a victory will be important," said the Benfica manager.
Playing away to Celtic will be a difficult challenge for Benfica, but having a significant amount of experience in their squad should help them throughout the match. Celtic's fans will get behind the team and will make it a difficult environment for the Portuguese. A draw seems the most probable result, but a victory for Benfica is possible.
Notable Absences:
Maxi Pereira is out due to suspension
Luisao is out due to suspension
A Few Facts:
Celtic has only lost two of 18 matches at home in the Champions League
In four meetings between these two, the home side always wins
Neither team has managed to score away from home when up against each other
Benfica has a +8 goal difference in their last two matches
