Prediction: Benfica vs Bayern Munich



Benfica fought valiantly to keep the tie alive after the first leg and they did well to only concede one goal at Allianz Arena, but they still face an uphill task in an attempt to reach the Champions League semis. The Bavarians are in the driving seat ahead of the clash at Estadio da Luz, although they need to finish the job after the 1-0 win in Germany.

Benfica

Benfica are enjoying one of the most successful seasons in recent years as they are currently top of Primeira Liga, while also vying for the first appearance in Champions League semi-finals since 1990. The Eagles recently suffered successive defeats in Europa League finals, but reaching the last four of Europe’s elite competition would be something else. At the same time, Benfica are involved in what has become a two-horse race for the league title with arch rivals Sporting Lisbon and they head into the final straight two points clear after winning at Estadio Jose Alvalade a month ago. Meanwhile, Rui Vitoria’s side have also impressed in Europe, recording a double win over Zenit to set up a clash with Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals. Despite conceding an early goal at Allianz Arena, Benfica managed to achieve a respectable result, and they hope the huge support from the stands will help the team neutralise the obvious difference in quality and experience between the two sides. However, with key attacker Jonas unavailable for selection, that may prove mission impossible.

Team News

Top scorer Jonas Goncalves Oliveira is banned after picking up his third yellow card of the campaign, with Raul Jimenez expected to deputise.

Julio Cesar and Nuno Santos continue to miss out, but Andreas Samaris and Eduardo Salvio are pushing for starting places.



Bayern Munich

With five European Cup titles to their name, Bayern Munich are one of the most successful clubs on the continent, but, taking everything into account, the Bavarians cannot be satisfied with just one Champions League trophy since 2001. The German giants have made some unexpected slip-ups in recent years and they will be eager not to make the same mistakes again. Things have been going according to plan this term, and even though they suffered a major scare against Juventus in the first knockout stage, the remarkable comeback definitely served as a major confidence boost ahead of the season finale. Bayern overcame some selection issues to beat Benfica in the first quarter-final leg and they will want to win the return match as well. Rather than turning on the style, the Bavarians have been grinding out results of late, recording three 1-0 wins before beating Stuttgart 3-1 at the weekend, and they will not mind another one of those in such an important game. Bayern carry a one-goal lead to Estadio da Luz and they are all too aware that scoring an away goal could effectively put the tie to bed.

Team News

Mehdi Benatia is ready to return after missing the Stuttgart game, while Javi Martinez could start after proving his fitness.

KIngsley Coman was also given the all clear, but star players Arjen Robben and Jerome Boateng continue to miss out for the visitors.

Key Factors to Consider

• Benfica will be without top scorer Jonas (32 goals in 41 games)
• The Eagles scored just 7 goals in last 7 CL matches at home
• Bayern have yet to lose an away fixture in 2016
• The Bavarians have three defeats in last six CL games on the road
• Bayern recorded three 1-0 wins in last four matches

Conclusion

Despite showing a great deal of potential this season, Benfica are no match to mighty Bayern Munich and with top scorer Jonas missing, they cannot be trusted to cause the Bavarians too many problems. A low-scoring affair is on the cards, but we are backing the Germans to emerge victorious.

Verdict: Away win

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: William Hill