Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Champions League match.
At the Estádio da Luz, sides who need to recover from setbacks in the main stage will meet. SL Benfica have suffered three defeats in a row and have yet to earn a point, while Bayer 04 Leverkusen are higher only thanks to draws but also have serious defensive problems. Both clubs are under pressure, and a defeat could effectively end their chances of reaching the play-offs.
SL Benfica
Benfica disappoint in attack — two matches in a row without scoring with an overall goal difference of 2:7. However, at home the hosts are traditionally dangerous: in their last 10 games at the Estádio da Luz in the Champions League, they failed to score only twice, and in six fixtures they netted at least twice. The team also tend to start actively — in five of their last six home outings in the competition, goals were scored in the first half.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen
In the previous round Bayer Leverkusen suffered a humiliating defeat to Paris Saint-Germain (2:7) — the biggest in the tournament for 12 years. The German side’s defence shows systemic issues: in six of eight away matches in the Champions League they conceded at least two goals, and clean sheets have been rare. At the same time, the attack can score, but there is no stability: only three of the last eight matches in the competition saw them produce two or more goals.
SL Benfica vs Bayer 04 Leverkusen Prediction
Benfica must respond to a run of poor results. Backed by their supporters, the hosts play aggressively and often break down even well-organised defences, while Bayer Leverkusen have systemic errors at the back. We expect an open match with an attacking emphasis from the Portuguese side.
