In their final Champions League Group D encounter, Benfica faces Red Bull Salzburg needing a three-goal win to avoid elimination from European competition. While both teams are out of contention for the last 16, Salzburg holds the advantage in securing a Europa League playoff spot.
Match Preview
Salzburg, holding a 2-0 win from the opening match against Benfica, aims to maintain their dominance and secure a Europa League place.
Despite a recent three-game losing streak, Salzburg managed a goalless draw against Real Sociedad and clinched a Bundesliga win against Rapid Wien.
Benfica, languishing at the bottom of Group D, salvaged a draw against Inter Milan but fell short of securing victories.
Their recent form in the Champions League has been underwhelming, yet they remain competitive domestically, sitting just a point off the top spot in Portugal.
Form Guide
Red Bull Salzburg (Champions League): W-L-L-L-D
Red Bull Salzburg (All Competitions): L-D-W-D-W-W
Benfica (Champions League): L-L-L-L-D
Benfica (All Competitions): L-W-W-D-D-D
Team News
Salzburg will miss several players due to injuries, including Aleksa Terzic, Dijon Kameri, Maurits Kjaergaard, and Oumar Solet.
Top scorer Karim Konate aims to lead the attack, supported by midfielder Oscar Gloukh, looking to secure a Europa League spot.
Benfica’s Rafa Silva’s goal against Farense salvaged a draw, while Alexander Bah and David Neres remain sidelined. However, Juan Bernat might return, providing a potential boost to their lineup.
Possible Lineups
Red Bull Salzburg: (4-2-2-1-2)
Schlager;
Dedic, Piatkowski, Pavlovic, Ulmer;
Gourna-Douath;
Capaldo, Sucic;
Gloukh;
Simic, Konate
Benfica: (4-2-3-1)
Trubin;
Aursnes, Victor, Otamendi, Morato;
Neves, Kocku;
Di Maria, Silva, Mario;
Musa
Prediction: Red Bull Salzburg 2-1 Benfica
Benfica’s inconsistent form in Europe and recent challenges in the Primeira Liga could hinder their performance. Salzburg, holding the advantage from their previous encounter and performing well at home, is favored to secure a narrow win, potentially denying Benfica’s Europa League hopes.