In-form Galatasaray out to complete job at Benfica
Monday, November 2, 2015
Article summary
"We know we can beat them," declared Rui Vitória as he backed Benfica to avenge a 2-1 matchday three loss to Galatasaray in the sides' Group C rematch on Tuesday.
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Article body
- Rui Vitória tips Benfica to atone for 2-1 loss in Istanbul on matchday three
- Kostas Mitroglou and Ljubomir Fejsa major doubts for the Eagles
- Both teams fresh from 4-0 wins in domestic leagues
- Benfica victory can end Astana's hopes of round of 16 place
- Recognise anyone from Galatasaray's last trip to Benfica?
Possible lineups
Benfica: Júlio César; Sílvio, Luisão, Jardel, Eliseu; André Almeida, Pizzi, Gonçalo Guedes, Gaitán; Jonas, Raúl Jiménez.
Out: Nélson Semedo (knee), Samaris (suspended)
Doubtful: Fejsa (foot), Mitroglou (ankle)
Galatasaray: Muslera; Denayer, Chedjou, Hakan Balta, Olcan Adın; Selçuk İnan, Bilal Kısa; Podolski, Sneijder, Yasin Öztekin; Burak Yılmaz.
Out: Hamit Altıntop (knee), Carole (hamstring)
Doubtful: José Rodriguez (ankle)
Rui Vitória, Benfica coach
Galatasaray will cause us lots of problems. They are on a good run and very experienced. We lost in Turkey, although we were good in some areas. The away match gave us a better knowledge of our opponents. It might have ended differently. We have maximum respect for [Galatasaray] but we know we can beat them. Our last meeting showed that for sure.
Hamza Hamzaoğlu, Galatasaray coach
Benfica have players that can make the difference by themselves. Attack is their strongest department – they do it well as a team – but their defence is not as good. If we don't get a point then Benfica are as good as through so we are aiming for a result that keeps us in the hunt for the next round.
Weekend results
Tondela 0-4 Benfica (Jonas 4, Berger og 11, Gonçalo Guedes 42, Carcela-González 82)
Benfica eased to victory after three first-half goals helped see off struggling Tondela. Jonas's eighth strike in as many Liga games set the tone early on, before an own goal and Gonçalo Guedes effort all but sealed the points before the break. Mehdi Carcela-González added a late fourth for the fifth-placed Eagles.
Galatasaray 4-0 Eskişehirspor (Selçuk İnan 9, Burak Yılmaz 41, 45+2pen, Bilal Kısa 85)
Second in the Süper Lig, Galatasaray are eight competitive matches unbeaten after a comfortable victory on Thursday. Selçuk İnan netted early on before Burak Yılmaz struck twice late in the first half, the second a penalty. Bilal Kısa completed the scoring.
Form guide (all competitions, most recent first)
Benfica: WLLWWW
Galatasaray: WDWWWD
Did you know?
Galatasarasay have not won an away UEFA Champions League fixture since a 3-2 victory at Schalke in the 2012/13 round of 16 second leg; find out more in our extensive match background.