There will be an important second leg in the playoff round of the Europa League this week, as Toulouse attempt to overturn a first leg disadvantage. However, the important advantage before this match in France rests with the Portuguese visitors Benfica.
The pressure will be on Toulouse this week, as they must land victory in this home fixture to keep their hopes of progression in the Europa League alive. The French side put in a strong showing in Lisbon last week, but they were eventually edged out following a 2-1 defeat against Benfica. But, Mikkel Desler’s goal could yet prove crucial in the context of this tie.
Benfica were forced to be patient in their attempts to land victory, with their winning effort coming from the penalty spot in the eighth minute of injury time. Angel Di Maria netted both goals for Benfica in the victory, and they would appear to be good value for that advantage after registering a staggering 27 shots. However, both of their goals in the opening leg were netted from the penalty spot.
Toulouse will take confidence from their home record in the Europa League this term, as they have gone three without defeat. That also includes a shock 3-2 home success against Liverpool in early November. But, they will need to play more on the front foot this week.
Benfica will have something to prove on the road in Europe this week, as they lost two of their three matches away from home in the Champions League group stage. Their only victory away from Lisbon was secured with a 3-1 success in Austria against RB Salzburg. However, their first leg advantage could be crucial for this return fixture.
The only previous clash between the sides in a European fixture came last week, with Benfica landing a hard-fought 2-1 success in Lisbon. Toulouse played on the counter-attack in that fixture, and they will be without Christian Mawissa this week after the defender was sent off in the first leg.
It has been an indifferent season to this point for Toulouse, as they have failed to reach the same heights as they did last term. Benfica have plenty of European experience within their ranks, and that could prove crucial. Therefore, we expect the visitors to edge over the line to reach the next round.
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