Benfica vs Toulouse: Europa League Play-off Round Preview
Clash of the titans as Benfica hosts Toulouse in crucial first leg
Benfica, the Portuguese giants, will welcome French side Toulouse to the Estadio da Luz on Thursday, February 23, in the first leg of their Europa League play-off round tie.
Both teams will be eager to make a strong start in this two-legged affair, as they aim to secure a spot in the Europa League round of 16. Benfica will be confident of victory on home soil, as they have an impressive unbeaten home record against French teams in European competition.
The Eagles will also be boosted by the return of Angel Di Maria, who scored the winning penalty in their 1-0 victory over Boavista at the weekend. The Argentine playmaker is expected to start alongside Joao Mario and David Neres in Benfica's formidable attacking trident.
Toulouse, meanwhile, will be looking to cause an upset in Lisbon. The French side secured their place in the play-off round by finishing second in their Europa Conference League group, behind Basel. However, they will face a tough task against a Benfica side that has been in excellent form this season.
The Ligue 1 outfit will be without the suspended Branco van den Boomen, but they will be boosted by the return of Amine Adli, who has been out with a thigh injury. The Moroccan winger is Toulouse's leading scorer this season with eight goals in all competitions.
The match is expected to be a close and entertaining affair, with both teams having their own strengths and weaknesses. Benfica will be the favorites, but Toulouse will be no pushovers, and they will be determined to give a good account of themselves on the big stage.
Prediction
Benfica to win 2-1
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