Champions League PREVIEW | Benfica v Inter

After suffering a late slip-up against Salernitana in the league, Inter will hope to make amends when they face Benfica in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday evening.

Since their 2-0 win to Lecce at the start of March, Inter haven’t been able to record a single victory in their last six games across all competitions. They were firmly in place to finish as runners-up this season but due to their recent dilapidated form, the Nerazzurri seems to be deviating from their top-four goal. 

The conclusion of Matchday 29 of the Serie A saw Simone Inzaghi’s side drop to 5th place with a point short of Milan who currently are in 4th place. None of Inter’s attackers have found consistent form this season and this is further aiding to downhill trend. After winning the Supercoppa Italiana earlier this year against neighbourhood rivals Milan, manager Inzaghi will hope to continue another title charge in the Champions League as top-four hopes in the league now depend on other teams’ results. 

Meanwhile, Benfica are firmly in place to secure the Portuguese Primeira Liga title but their recent derby defeat dented their charge for the league. 

Sergio Conceicao’s side have now gone seven points clear at the top of the Portuguese league while only losing two matches throughout the season. They will hope that their recent demoralising defeat to league chasers Porto does not have an effect on their Champions League run.

Benfica will hope to capitalise on their home advantage and Inter’s woes to take a vital lead in the second league at the San Siro.

Results from their last five matches across all competitions

Benfica:

L W W W W

Inter:

D D L L D

Team News

Despite recent woes, goalkeeper Andre Onana is expected to start in the game versus Benfica.

Defender Milan Skriniar and Hakan Calhanoglu may sit this one out with injuries. 

Robin Gosens may have a starting place ahead of Federico Dimarco after scoring against Salernitana.

As for Benfica, they will have star man Goncalo Guedes, Julian Draxler and Nicola Otamendi out of this fixture.

Alex Grimaldo is expected to continue his stellar form at the back as he is tilted to find a new club in the summer. 

Predicted XIs

Benfica (4-2-3-1): Vlachodimos; Gilberto, Silva, Verissimo, Grimaldo; Luis, Chiquinho; Mario, Silva, Aursnes; Ramos

Inter (3-5-2): Onana; D’Ambrosio, De Vrij, Bastoni; Darmian, Barella, Brozovic, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Martinez, Dzeko

Trambak Bhattacherjee | GIFN