CL Preview: Benfica-Anderlecht
There was a time when both Anderlecht and Benfica were regular competitors in the Champions League. Combined, the two sides have made 47 appearances (Benfica 25, Anderlecht 22) in the tournament with the Lisbon Eagles capturing the crown in 1961 and 1962. But in the absentminded the world of soccer, the burning question is always: what have you done for me lately? The answer: not much… not in European tournaments at least.
Benfica missed out on the competition altogether last season, while Anderlecht bowed out in the group stage after barely inching past modest opposition (Rapid Bucharest and Wisla Kraków) in the qualifying rounds. Both clubs have certainly seen better days. Nevertheless, there is plenty of optimism surrounding both camps, but that optimism will turn into disappointment for one of these well-supported sides.
Benfica and Anderlecht are no strangers to facing each other in crucial European matches. The two sides locked horns during the finals of the 1983 UEFA Cup, a contest in which the Belgians won 2-1on aggregate in front 80,000 fans in Lisbon.
Team News:
Benfica:
The Lisbon Eagles will be without Angolan born striker Pedro Mantorras for the next few months. It was believed that Mantorras would be fit to lead Benfica's attack in their push for the Champions League, but he re-injured his right knee and is set for yet another lengthy lay off.
The news regarding the club’s attacking options does not get better for manager Giovanni Trapattoni, as he will also be without Portuguese international striker Nuno Gomes. The former Fiorentina ace is still recovering from an ankle injury he suffered at Euro 2004 and will not be fully fit for this contest.
Because of their shortage in attacking options, Benfica have named youth team striker João Vilela to the squad.
Benfica will also be without first choice goalkeeper Jose Moreira, as he will be representing Portugal at the Olympics. Look for Trapattoni to opt for French keeper Yannick instead of veteran Portuguese goalkeeper Quim in the starters' role.
Anderlecht:
Finnish central defender Hannu Tihinen has been sidelined for the next three months after fracturing a bone in his right foot in preseason training. This is a huge blow for the Belgian Champions, as Tihinen has been a regular in Anderlecht’s back line for the past 2 seasons since joining them from Norwegian side Viking in 2002.
Anderlecht’s confidence was dealt another serious blow this past weekend as they crashed to a 2-0 defeat to Mouscron in their domestic season opener.
But manager Hugo Broos is down playing the loss and has named the same 19-man squad that slipped-up on the weekend for Tuesday’s match in Lisbon.
What They Said:
Giovanni Trapattoni (Benfica manager): “We must keep our composure against Anderlecht. Their loss on the weekend will have no barring on this match and does not put us any closer to the Champions League. We must stick to the basics and play to our strengths if we are to be successful."
Hugo Broos (Anderlecht manager): “This match is very important for both clubs. Benfica have very good individual talent, and we will not match them in that aspect. Simao, Zahovic and Miguel are good attacking players. But we will work collectively to ensure that their attacking elements are held to minimal scoring chances.”
Simao Sabrosa (Benfica midfielder and captain): “We are expecting a difficult match but we know that we can beat them. I don’t want to talk about who is the favorite in this match because I don’t believe there is one. We have been studying them very closely and we know that they are tough to break down so we must be patient.”
Mbo Mpenza (Anderlecht striker, ex-Sporting Lisbon): “Benfica are a good club, but having played against them several times I can also say that they are beatable. I believe my side plays much better as a unit and I think this will be evident on Tuesday.”
Players To Watch:
Benfica: ZZ is tops again
Despite being left off Slovenia’s roster for an upcoming friendly against Serbia and Montenegro, midfielder Zlatko Zahovic has been in excellent form thus far. He looks fit and motivated again following two lackluster seasons with the Lisbon Eagles. The enigmatic Slovenian has already fired in 4 goals against quality opposition (Real Madrid, Marseille and Real Zaragoza) in preseason friendly matches. Benfica are hoping he can deliver the goods when it actually counts for something.
Anderlecht: Wilhelmsson’s Wizardry
Christian Wilhelmsson will provide Anderlecht with impeccable wing-play down the right flank. The Swedish international put in some good displays at Euro 2004 and his stock is definitely rising. The 25-year-old midfielder has the capability to unsettle even the most composed defenders, and is one of those players who is a joy to watch when he is on his game.
Probable Lineups:
Benfica: (4-5-1)
Yannick: Ricardo Rocha, Argel, Dos Santos, Miguel; Petit, Paulo Almeida, Joao Pereira, Simao, Zahovic; and Sokota
Anderlecht: (4-4-2)
Zitka; Deschacht, Traore, Company, Michal Zewlakow; Lovre, Hasi, Baseggio, Wilhelmsson; Mpenza and Aruna
Match Referee: Peter Fröjdfeldt (SWE)
Kick off: Lisbon - Estadio Da Luz - 20:00 (Local Time)
Source: goal.com
