Portugese side will look to take advantage over their more illustrious opponent
Benfica's coach Jorge Jesus listens to a question during a news conference at Benfica's Luz stadium in Lisbon.Benfica will play against Juventus in a Europa League semifinal first leg (Photo : AP)
Paris: Having shaken off the hangover from their title celebrations on Sunday, Portuguese champions Benfica host Juventus in the first leg of their Europa League semifinal on Thursday.
The Eagles have been driven this season by the bitter memory of 12 months ago, when they found themselves on the verge of winning a treble of Portuguese league and Cup and Europa League, only to miss out on all three trophies in an agonising two weeks.
Jorge Jesus’ side beat Olhanense 2-0 in front of almost 64,000 fans at the Estadio da Luz on Sunday to open up an unassailable seven-point lead with two games remaining in the Portuguese top flight and secure their 33rd league title. Standing in their way are a Juve side who are motivated by the prospect of reaching a final that will be played in their own stadium in Turin.
The winner will face Spanish opposition in the final itself, with La Liga rivals Sevilla and Valencia facing off in the other last-four tie. Sevilla will be at home in the first leg and their recent form should make them favourites. They have won 12 of their last 15 matches in all competitions, form that means they remain in the running to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
( Source : AFP )
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