Wanyama braced for Benfica test

Celtic midfielder Victor Wanyama expects Benfica ‘to give their all’ during the crucial Champions League match in Lisbon on Tuesday.

The Scottish giants – who lie second in Group G behind Barcelona after garnering seven points from four outings – will qualify for the knockout stages with a win over the Portuguese side.

A score draw will also be enough to seal a round-of-16 berth for the visitors if Spartak Moscow fail to beat Barcelona in the other group game.

“I believe this game (against Benfica) is crucial for both teams. Qualification (to the knockout phase) is within our sights and realistic,” Wanyama told Goal.com.

“But Benfica will give everything, they are a composed team with some flair and good ball players, they probably also think that this could be their last chance to get back into the (qualification race) it should be an interesting match.

“But we are motivated and confident, nobody gave us a chance in this group and (also) against Barcelona. So we need to continue with what we have been doing.”

Wanyama who was voted man of the match during last weekend’s league match against Aberdeen, has been in exceptional form this season and earned rave reviews for his goal that set his team up for an historic victory against Barcelona in their last European tie.

Barcelona have nine points, while third-placed Benfica are three points behind Celtic, with the Russian side sitting fourth in the group a point behind Benfica.