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Benfica has a marvelous attacking side and very cohesive squad in midfield and defense, and can boast for being the top attacking side left in European football at the moment. Their form has been immense all season. This may be attributed to wholesale changes at the club from boardroom through to players. Starting with Rui Costa, the new Benfica Football Director is respected by all components of the Benfica machine, from players all the way up to board members. Benfica are having a dream season, and their football has been beautiful to watch.
South American Attack
The acquisition of the Argentine attacking trio of DiMaria, Aimar and Saviola has injected flair and grit into their style of play. To add to this attacking threat, there is the dangerous Paraguayan Oscar Cardozo who is the top scorer in Europe and in Portugal. The imposing 6´2" striker had a bad day at the office in the first leg but still managed to score both goals in Benfica's 2-1 win over Liverpool at Stadium of Light. DiMaria was very wasteful as well. But such is the style of Benfica that they can afford to miss a few chances, knowing very well they are capable of generating many more.
Liverpool vs Benfica Match Preview
To support this attack, Benfica have the rapid Brazilian Ramires, Spanish defensive midfielder Javi Garcia and Attacking Left Back Fabio Coentrao. But it doesn't stop there. Both Brazilian centre backs Luiz and Luisao are capable of joining in on the attack and getting into the box to score headers. Benfica have been using their back up goal keeper in European play Julio Cesar who has been in good form.
To add to Liverpool's woes, Benfica has a very good away form. Their last and only lost occurred on October 1st in Greece against AEK Athens. But the team has been a much better unit since then. They then went on to defeat Everton, BATE, draw to Hertha and beat Marseile all away. Their home record has been sublime, having only drawn once and with a goal tally of 16 goals scored and 3 suffered thanks to their 2 in-form and in-demand Centre-backs.
Liverpool can be pleased that Saviola will not be joining the Benfica team sheet as he is out injured. He adds a lot of dynamism to an already dynamic attack. But Benfica will go to Anfield with a squad capable of soaking up pressure.
Benfica Stamina
The youthfulness of Benfica and attack minded coach Jorge Jesus are part of the reasons why they have scored 17 of their 23 Europa League goals in the 2nd half. They have stamina to spare. With great technical ability and midfield tactics, Benfica are quite capable of soaking up pressure in the first half only to over-run the midfield in the second half. Liverpool has lost their last 4 meetings to Benfica, and many believe this is Benfica's year to shine. The bookies are favoring Liverpool at home.
This may very well be Benitez's last European game as Liverpool coach, so he will want to leave positive impression. It appears he has already conceded the prestigious Premier League fourth place battle which gives the club entry to next years Champions League. He suprisingly subbed off Torres in the 64th minute to the disbelief of the Captain Steven Gerard. Liverpool were tied 1-1 at the time of substitution, this was to be the final result and with that 2 points dropped.
With Manchester City tallying up the points, it now seems impossible for Liverpool to reach the revered 4th place target. It would take a disastrous collapse by Man City for Liverpool to stand a chance. Even then, there would still be a battle with the other teams vying for fourth (Tottenham, Aston Villa and Everton). So it appears Benitez has conceded. This is also telling of a manager who may very well be leaving Liverpool. His only chance at silverware will be the Europa League. The only problem is they have to overcome Benfica - a massive task under the circumstances.
