Benfica lost int he Europa League Final last season against Chelsea, but a victory on Thursday night could put them one step closer to the final in Turin.

Preview: Benfica out to end AZ Alkmaar's dreams of a Europa League Final

The Estadio da Luz will be the venue for the Champions League final this season. But before that can happen, Benfica will welcome Dutch side AZ Alkmaar to the Portuguese capital, for a Europa League quarterfinal match.

A 0-1 victory in the first-leg for Jorge Jesus’ side has them in the driver’s seat heading into Thursday night. Eduardo Salvio’s side volley beat AZ’s goalkeeper in the second half, marking his first goal since a lengthy recovery from a knee injury.

Benfica’s home form will be a concern for the visitors. Undefeated in their last 44 matches at the Estadio da Luz, the Portuguese League leaders will aim to make it 45 on Thursday night. Their last defeat in Lisbon came on October 2, 2012, against Barcelona, where the Catalans came away with a 0-2 victory.

 

Jorge Jesus has led his squad to an impressive campaign thus far, needing only five points to become Portuguese champions. A victory on Thursday would add to that impressive run, putting them one step closer to the Europa League Final, where they were defeated last season against Chelsea.

“AZ Alkmaar certainly believes they have a chance at going through, just like we don’t believe the 0-1 result from the first-leg is enough to get us through,” Jesus said to reporters.

In their previous European match at home, Benfica had a comfortable lead from the first match against Tottenham, but the Tim Sherwood’s side managed a 2-2 draw in Portugal. Not wanting to go through nervous moments on Thursday, the hosts will want to use that draw as a lesson.

“When you reach the quarter or semifinals, there is no warning, you can win, lose or draw. You should not think you are better than your opposition. Tottenham had enough quality to beat us 1-3 in Lisbon, because the talent level in both sides is nearly equal.”

Dick Advocaat will be happy with his squads performance at home, but their inability to take their chances could come back to hurt them.

AZ played well in the first-leg, was constantly on the front foot in the first half, and even forced the Benfica goalkeeper into a few brilliant saves. They will know their opportunities could be limited on Thursday, but they will need to make the best of whatever they get.

“It is not impossible to go through,” Advocaat told Dutch reporters. “We will try to be more compact at the back, and we will play with no fear in order to win.”

“If we play an open style, we can score a goal, although we know we are up against a difficult challenge. Benfica are one of the bigger clubs in Europe.”

Where to watch this match - live stream, start time, TV channels, live scores

Watch Benfica vs AZ Alkmaar live on Thursday, April 10, 2014:

In Canada at 15:05 ET on: Sportsnet World, Sportsnet World Online

In the USA at 15:05 ET on: Fox Soccer 2Go »live stream, Fox Sports 2 USA

Outside of these viewing areas but want to watch the match? Head over to the Benfica vs AZ Alkmaar match page for full TV listings in your area.