Benfica vs Galatasaray Predictions

Benfica hold a one goal lead heading into Thursday’s 2nd leg, but it is the two away goals they scored in Istanbul that could make all the difference in this Europa League tie. Benfica were always the favourites to progress through to the next round, and after beating Galatasaray 2-1 away from home, that certainly hasn’t changed. The visitors know that they need to score twice on Thursday to stand any chance of qualifying for the last sixteen, but it’s stopping Benfica from scoring even more goals that is likely to be their biggest issue.

Benfica have one day fewer to recuperate and prepare for Thursday’s game against Galatasaray due to their match on Monday night in the Primeira Liga against Aves. Galatasaray played and defeated Kasimpasa with relative ease on Sunday night, securing a 4-1 win and three more Super Lig points. Benfica took the lead in Istanbul at halftime thanks to a twenty-seventh minute penalty from Salvio, but nine minutes after the restart, following Salvio’s injury and substitution, defender Luyindama levelled for the hosts. Benfica responded well and shortly after the hour mark, Seferović was setup by Rúben Dias and the Swiss forward made it 2-1 to the visitors. Benfica only had 38% of the overall possession during the 1st leg, but ended the game with equally as many shots as their hosts and were that extra bit more clinical in front of goal.

Based on the 1st leg result and the performances of both sides in recent weeks, we’re expecting both teams to score on Thursday and for Benfica to win the game. Both teams have scored in three of the four meetings between Benfica and Galatasaray and the Portuguese side have won the last two encounters. Benfica have won their last five games in all competitions, and five of their last six games have seen both teams score. Five of Galatasaray’s last six matches have also seen both teams score, and four of their games have also produced over 2.5 goals. Benfica just edge the form guide and have the psychological edge having already beaten their Turkish opponents last week, but only have one clean sheet in their last six attempts.

Benfica haven’t relied on one main source of goals in Europe this season, instead multiple players have shared the burden and head into the 2nd leg with two goals in Europe so far. Swiss international Derdiyok is the only Galatasaray player to have scored more than once in Europe this season, and has on;y two goals to his name. We’re confident that Benfica will win and that both teams will score on Thursday, with the final scoreline ending 3-1 to the Portuguese giants. Benfica had the beating of Galatasaray last week and in their own backyard the Portuguese outfit have looked really strong all season long. Admittedly the hosts haven’t kept many clean sheets of late, but they have been scoring for fun and even put ten past Nacional in the Primeira Liga just over a week ago.