The Champions League qualifying League Path always produces some memorable fixtures, which have been fitting of the group stages. The tie between Fenerbahce and Benfica is a great example and its seems strange to think one of these teams is going to be eliminated at the third qualifying stage.
Fenerbahce will be hoping their passionate home support can cheer them on and overturn the 1-0 deficit from the first leg. Benfica on the other hand will be happy to see out a draw of any sort as that would be good enough to see them progress in what should be a thrilling match.
Fenerbahce started their Turkish Super Lig campaign on Saturday with a 2-1 win at home against Bursaspor. Given the way the teams finished in the league last season, this was a match Fenerbahce were expected to win but they were forced to come back from a goal down to get maximum points.
Despite losing the first leg 1-0 Fenerbahce will remain confident of progressing thanks to their home record. Trends show Fenerbahce have lost only one of their last twenty home competitive matches in all competitions.
There have been fifteen wins in those twenty undefeated games, ten of which have been by a score-line which would be good enough to see them through this tie. The only negative aspect has been the goals conceded and Fenerbahce have kept just one clean sheet in their last five home competitive games.
Furthermore, only one of their last eleven home Champions league games has produced a result which would be good enough to see them win this tie.
Benfica were also in domestic action for the first time this season on the weekend and they defeated Vitoria Guimaraes 3-2 at home. Rui Vitoria picked exactly the same starting XI for both games and the manger is clearly happy with the way his current selection is playing.
The 3-2 final score on Friday was somewhat deceiving in that Benfica dominated to lead 3-0 before taking their foot off the gas, perhaps with this game in mind.
Trends show Benfica are undefeated in their last eleven away games in all competitions, winning eight of them. However, away form in the Champions league shows the Portuguese have struggled on the road and they have lost each of their last four, winning just one of the last eight.
Benfica have failed to score in each of their last four away Champions League games.
Team news and Fenerbahce are unlikely to make many changes from the team which won on the weekend. French midfielder Mathieu Valbuena will be hoping to come into the starting XI and Roberto Soldado could be given the nod in attack.
Benfica have selected the same starting XI in their two previous matches this season and will probably stick to the same team for this game. The only change could see Andrija Zivkovic come into the team as part of the front three.
Fenerbahce will look at Benfica’s record in the Champions league, especially last season and believe this tie is far from over. The Turkish club are in good form on home soil and could win this game but even with a victory, progress to the playoffs is not guaranteed.