Finally, Benfica are champions of Portugal for a 33rd time. It has been four consecutive years of heartache and heartbreak battling constantly by trying to slay the evil dragon that is FC Porto but we finally did it! Benfica are champions of Portugal and they can now focus their attention on two other priorities:
1) Winning The Taca De Portugal
2) Winning UEFA Europa Cup
BONUS: Winning The League Cup (We've won it a bunch of times anyways)
This week the Europa League will begin its semi-finals matches of the tournament which will feature Benfica hosting Juventus in a match of epic proportions in which on paper would make a great final of the tournament. Unfortunately, UEFA Semi - Finals matches are drawn out of a hat on paper but only decided in two legs. Although some may say Benfica have an advantage playing the first leg at home, Juventus (unlike SC Olhanese) will be a tough opponent in both legs. For Benfica to have any chance of repeating a double UEFA Europa Final they must win at home. Going into Italy with a draw or a loss will not get them past this stage.
If this tournament was based on who looks good on paper there is no question that Juventus should be in the final on paper (They are also hosting the final this year at their home stadium in Torino). However, as we all know UEFA titles are not decided as to who looks good on paper but who comes out on top to win.
NO UEFA LOSSES IN 5 MONTHS
Juventus have been dominating the Serie A nearly clinching the league title for their third consecutive season as they sail away with an eight point lead to second place Roma. Benfica on the other hand has had their most successful team and season in quite sometime (can win a total of Four titles this season) Benfica although were eliminated from the group stages of UEFA Champions League (so was Juventus) have not lost a UEFA match since November 5, 2013 as they lost 1-0 away to Olimpiakos. Juventus are also undefeated in UEFA since their 3-1 loss to Galatasary on Novemmber 11, 2013. group stages
At the start of the 2013/14 UEFA Champions League campaign, Juventus were one of many favorite's to win this competition. The Bianconeri's are quite familiar with the UEFA Europa League as they have been in four finals since 1976 and have won three of them. (Click here) Benfica, if successful against Juventus will be featured in their second consecutive UEFA Europa Cup Final but may have better odds winning this year against either Seville or Valencia unlike last year's final against Chelsea who were able to knock Benfica out of UEFA competition two consecutive years as well.
9 UEFA FINALS
Both Benfica and Juventus have nine UEFA finals. Benfica were back-to-back UEFA Champons League winners in 1960/61, and 1961/62 season and were five time runners up in 1962–63, 1964–65, 1967–68, 1987–88, 1989–90. Juventus were also two time UEFA Champons League winners in 1984–85, 1995–96. They also won the UEFA Super Cup those same years and won a total of nine UEFA Cups (click here).
JUVENTUS FORMATION & PLAYERS
Juventus plays a 3-5-2 formation. However, in a more defensive minded game Juventus will resort to a 5-3-2 formation as the two wing backs will join the centre backs to form a back line of five. In a attack minded game, it appears as though they will play a 3-3-4 (almost want to call it 3-3-2wings-2 forwards)
It is no question that Juventus will play their best 11 away against Benfica. Juventus are a strong team overall. Their midfield players have been able to not only assist on goals but score themselves. Paul Pogba, (or" Pogboom" as he is known in Italy) Arturo Vidal, Marchisio, and an experienced Andrea Pirlo have all contributed to goals in the league and throughout UEFA. They are all great strong mid fielders who will most definetly give the Benfica CB's are hard time.
Looking at Quarter - Finals stages of the UEFA Europa League game Juventus played Olympique Lyonnais in which they advanced 3-1 on aggregate. CB Leonardo Bonucci scored in the first leg, Pirlo scored in the second leg and Lyonnais conceded an own goal. Wingers Mauricio Isla and 22 year old Kwadwo Asamoah from Ghana are quick, and have been in full form occupying the wings. Isla took over the position from 30 year old Lichtsteiner who although is a full back would often start as a winger on the right.
The other Fernando Torres known as Llorente a forward from Spain leads Juventus in goals with 18. Carlos Tevez is not far behind with 14 goals. The irony is that Tevez has failed to score a single goal in UEFA competition this season but is common to start as he did during the second leg on the Lyon Quarter- Finals game. Marko Vučinić the 30 year old Montenegro forward may also be an option to start alongside Llorente but most likely we will see Pablo Osvaldo who has 2 goals in this competition (is on loan from Southampton, rumoured Benfica transfer last summer) or Sebastien Giovinco (2 goals only in league competition) may very well start at the Luz over Tevez.
BENFICA NO PRESSURE
It is my personal belief that Benfica on paper are just as good as Juventus. Gianluigi Buffon has played 31 games total in the Serie A in which he has 18 clean sheets. His experience definetly overshadows the 21- year old Slovenian Benfica goalkeeper Jan Oblak who has played 15 games this season and had 11 clean sheets. The percentage of clean sheets is higher for Oblak then Buffon. This season Oblak hands down is better then Buffon.
Ezequiel Garay has scored 6 goals this season as a centre back and his CB partner Benfica captain Luisao has had his best season yet. Those two can pair up and over any Juventus CB combo of either Barzagli, Caceres or Bonucci.
Our wingers are fast and have quick feet and if it's not Gaitan, Markovic or even Salvio who will definetly put away a goal or three during these two legs.
Our forwards Lima, and Rodrigo have been in constant form (Rodrigo more so throughout the season) and let's not forget Enzo who let's face it would crack the starting 11 of any team in the Serie A hands down.
Benfica will go into this competition relieved after just winning the league only a few days ago. No one really expects them to win outside of the Benfica Nation of course. The pressure is on Juventus especially in a year in which they are hosting and everyone will be shocked or disappointed if they are not in this year's final. Going into Italy will most definetly be Benfica's greatest challenge but a tie in not an impossible outcome for The Reds.
