The Thursday night in the Europa League has some high-profile matches at the start, which would have had the potential to CL pairings in the knockout stage. Among other things, the duel between Galatasaray and Benfica Lisbon stands out. The Turkish record champion was able to maintain the third group place in the Champions League with the help of FC Schalke helpers and continues the season in the Europa League. Benfica Lisbon have not prevailed in a group with Bayern and Ajax, but won easily the third group place in the Champions League. Gala and Benfica were both convincing in their dress rehearsal at the weekend. The Turks prevailed in the top match against Trabzonspor, the Portuguese scored in front of a home crowd Nacional double digits! In the duel between Galatasaray and Benfica Lisbon a prediction in favor of the guests after the recent performance is quite realistic.
Today’s Betting Tips Galatasaray vs Benfica Lisbon
The Türk Telekom Stadium in Istanbul will turn into a real cauldron. Whether the twelfth man in the back is reason enough, at Galatasaray Vs. Benfica Lisbon a tip on the home side to place, is rather questionable. Although the “lions” from Istanbul have presented themselves solidly at home in the season so far, the performances on the international stage were not exactly convincing. However, this should change with the new transfers on board. “Imperator” Fatih Terim looked optimistic before the sixteen-final against Benfica. At the latest after the historic victory of Benfica in the Portuguese league Terim but should be clear that Benfica will demand the “lion” everything. On Thursday evening, the first leg between Galatasaray and Benfica will be at 18:55 CET at the Türk Telekom Stadium in Istanbul.
Galatasaray – Statistics & Current Form
At the beginning of the season, it was lacking in the Turkish record champions especially at the Kaderbreite. The failed transfer policy was felt Galatasaray in full severity. It was not sought after adequate replacement for departures, which ultimately meant that Galatasaray, for example, simply could not compensate for the departure of Bafetimbi Gomis. In the meantime, offensive players like Sinan Gümüs simply slipped into the lead. The formidable Derdiyok was partly also due to injury not available. Now, after being upgraded in the winter, Galatasaray is heading for the title race in the Süper Lig and the knockout stages in the Europa League. In the latter, Benfica Lisbon is a real chunk at Gala. The dress rehearsal before the duel against Benfica succeeded Galatasaray. In the derby of the traditional clubs, the Turkish champions beat against Trabzonspor easily and continue to be close followers of championship leader Basaksehir. As in the previous season, the championship will be held this time as well. In the season so far Galatasaray but mainly a significant away weakness. Again and again unnecessary point losses are plugged in on foreign terrain. In the Champions League, there was not a single point for Galatasaray in three away matches. In five conceded goals against the “lion” away were just a harmless kitten. Galatasaray could not claim a single away goal in the Champions League. So it is all the more important for the team of “Imperator” Terim, in the first leg at home for a good starting position against Benfica to provide Lisbon. In the Süper Lig Galatasaray currently has the best home record (seasonal). No other Süper Lig team could stay unbeaten at home longer than Galatasaray. Can Gala also build on this internationally?
For this, some players have to outgrow themselves. In terms of performance, the recent league game was indeed quite sovereign, but appearances are deceptive with the “lions”. Intimidation of the opponent by powerful attacking game? Rather unwary. So far, Galatasaray could not really play the opponent on the wall, but had to act partly with the handbrake on. Whether the problems in the second half of the season with the newcomers will be solved, will be seen later in the season. The two strikers Mitroglu and Diagne will be like a blessing for the Turkish record champions. By the time the new additions have adapted to the new system under Fatih Terim, it will certainly take a few more games. It is quite possible that the Portuguese will therefore gain an advantage from the first leg and ensure a good starting position. In Galatasaray vs Benfica Lisbon is according to the balanced odds but no clear favorite to identify.
Expected formation of Galatasaray:
Muslera; Nagatomo, Marcao, Luyindama, Linnes; Belhanda, Ndiaye, Fernando; Onyekuru, Diagne, Feghouli
Last games by Galatasaray:
- 10.02.2019 – Galatasaray Vs. Trabzonspor 3: 1 (Süper Lig)
- 06.02.2019 – Galatasaray Vs. Hatayspor 2: 0 (Pokal)
- 02.02.2019 – Alanyaspor vs. Galatasaray 1: 1 (Super League)
- 29.01.2019 – Galatasaray vs. Boluspor 4: 1 (Pokal)
- 26.01.2019 – Goztepe etc. Galatasaray 0: 1 (Super League)
Benfica Lisbon – Statistics & Current Form
As second in the table, Benfica are close opponents of FC Porto in the domestic league and will probably deliver an adrenaline-rich title race. With the 10: 0-Erfolg on the last matchday a clear signal was set. Benfica storms into the championship – is it enough in the end? For now, it is now in the Europa League knockout phase against Galatasaray. Since the beginning of the calendar year Benfica Lisbon is traveling with coach Bruno Lage. If the strong performance continues, an extension of the half-year contract would be quite conceivable. The recent game by Benfica shows but one thing in particular: the strong offensive of the Portuguese! With 57 goals Benfica currently represents the strongest offensive of the Portuguese Primera Liga. On location, Lage’s team took a total of 25 points and are the strongest team in the distance. On average, about two goals per game were scored per away match. Most recently, there were three away wins in a row, including a 4-2 win at city rivals Sporting. In addition to the derby success in the league for Benfica but recently also had a home win over the city rivals in the Cup. With the showdown against the city rivals Benfica could prepare well for the duel against Galatasaray. In the games against FC Bayern Munich and Ajax Amsterdam last year, Benfica was certainly not on the best side; nevertheless, the recent increase in performance at Benfica is huge. A single goal in Istanbul would take Benfica one leg to the next round. With the home strength of the Portuguese and the away weakness of the Turks, a progress of Galatasaray in Lisbon would be unthinkable.
Alejandro Grimaldo, Ruben Dias and Gedson Fernandes are among the most valuable players in the squad of Benfica. Especially Grimaldo is already courted by the European top clubs. It is quite possible that the left-back will change in the summer. In the concentrated offensive in the team of Bruno Lage, the defensive of Galatasaray will have much to do. If Benfica can easily shift the offensive play to the wings, an away goal should be only a matter of time. On the last day of the game, the offensive was in good shape. Haris Seferovic raised his account to 13 goals. Pizzi was able to bring his scorer points to 21 and has so far with 13 assists most of the team’s goals. If Benfica can even approximate the performance of the last matchday, should Galatasaray vs. Benfica Lisbon a prediction in favor of the guests true.
Expected formation of Benfica Lisbon:
Vlachodimos; Grimaldo, Dias, Ferro, Almeida; Silva, Samaris, Gabriel, Pizzi; Felix; Seferovic
Last matches of Benfica Lisbon:
- 10.02.2019 – Benfica vs Nacional Funchal 10: 0 (Primeira Liga)
- 06.02.2019 – Benfica vs Sporting Lisbon 2: 1 (Pokal)
- 03.02.2019 – Sporting Lisbon Vs. Benfica Lisbon 2: 4 (Primeira Liga)
- 29.01.2019 – Benfica vs. Boavista 5: 1 (Primeira League)
- 22.01.2019 – Benfica vs. Porto 1: 3 (League Cup)
Galatasaray vs Benfica Lisbon Direct Comparison & Stats Highlights
Overall, Galatasaray and Benfica meet for the fifth time in their club history. The friendly match in November 2011 ruled out the fourth competitive match between the two clubs. For the first time Benfica and Galatasaray met in the group stage of the Europa League 2008, in which the “lions” from Istanbul could win 2-0 against Benfica. The most recent duels were in the 2015 Champions League. There was a 2-1 win for the home team. If Benfica can score once again in Galatasaray, the Portuguese go into the second leg with a considerable advantage.
Galatasaray vs Benfica Lisbon Football Betting Tips
Two Champions League losers among themselves. Galatasaray could not convince at all internationally and benefited only from the Schützenhilfe the Royal Blues from Gelsenkirchen. The season on the European stage could end in the sixteenth finals, because with Benfica Lisbon is a very formidable team on the “Lions”. Holding the zero against Benfica will not be easy, especially as the Portuguese arrive with a 10-0 win in the baggage. Galatasaray showed a good game against Trabzonspor in the last race and will want to build on that. As always, “Imperator” Terim was optimistic and believes that the round against Benfica can be overcome.
Key Facts – Galatasaray vs Benfica Lisbon tips
Benfica Lisbon won the dress rehearsal before the gala match with 10: 0!
Galatasaray have conceded three goals in the final and crucial CL game against Porto.
Benfica scored on average two goals per away game in the Portuguese league.
In the Süper Lig Galatasaray maintains a strong home record. After the successful dress rehearsal against the Black Sea club Trabzonspor Galatasaray confidently goes home. However, Benfica could surprise the Turkish champions and bring an early goal against Terim from the concept. Anyone who scores ten goals against Nacional Funchal should not have major problems in Istanbul. We think that the Portuguese will lead at halftime, so we recommend against Galatasaray. Benfica Lisbon the tip on 1. HT Benfica Lisbon, with a use of three units. For this, odds of 3.40 can be tapped.
Betting Tips: 2 (1st HT)
Odds: 3.40
