- Date: Thursday, 22 February
- Kick-off Time: 5:45 PM (GMT)
- Stadium: Stadium de Toulouse
Toulouse vs Benfica Preview:
Toulouse succumbed to a strong Benfica away from home in the first leg of the play-off round of UEFA Europa League last week. The home side absolutely dominated the game and forced Toulouse to fall deep back into their half. Benfica had the lion’s share of possession and took a tremendous 27 number of shots to Toulouse’s meek 6 shots. Benfica, in fact, had more shots on target (15) than Toulouse had overall shots.
However, it wasn’t until the 68th minute that they could take the lead. Angel di Maria scored both goals for Benfica via penalties. The Eagles amassed 3.40 xG, but managed to score only 2 goals. Meanwhile, Toulouse managed to create one big chance and scored through their right-back Mikkel Desler. Benfica might rue the chances they missed and hope they don’t haunt them away from home.
Toulouse will be boosted by their away victory against Monaco in Ligue 1 on the weekend. Les Violets went 1-0 up via a Vincent Sierro goal before Monaco equalized. However, the visitors kept their composure and scored a second goal to win 2-1. With Benfica on the horizon, Toulouse sent a warning shot to the Portuguese club.
In Portugal, Benfica continued their onslaught and the bottom ranked side of the Portuguese league, Vizela, were the victims. Benfica rode to a comfortable 6-1 victory, while resting major players. Toulouse can only hope the Eagles aren’t in a similar mood on Thursday evening.
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Team News:
Toulouse:
Toulouse escaped the weekend unscathed, but will still miss some crucial players midweek against Benfica. Zakaria Aboukhal has been a rising star on the wing for Toulouse. He was extremely influential last season’s Coupe de France victory which helped Toulouse qualify for the UEFA Europa League. However, his painful knee injury back in September has seen him most of the season. He was scheduled to return in early February, but has had a slow recovery from his knee surgery. He now looks certain to miss the second leg. Similarly, central midfielder Denis Genreau also sustained a groin injury back in January and will miss the tie against Benfica.
Another absentee for Toulouse will be Christian Mawissa who earned himself a red card last week in Lisbon. The defender came on in the second half and earned himself two yellow cards in under thirty minutes leaving the Toulouse defense exposed.
Benfica:
Benfica have enjoyed a great football period after their relegation from the Champions League to the Europa League in December. The Eagles are on a roll and have lost only one game in their last eleven fixtures. A lot of their consistency can be attributed to the return of key players from injury and a squad that is well-rested via constant rotations.
Currently, Benfica only have one player out injured. Left-back Juan Bernat sustained a season-ending muscle injury back in November. However, the ex-PSG man is recovering well and is expected to return in mid-March. He will certainly miss the second leg of the playoff round against Toulouse but could feature if Benfica qualifies further.
Predicted Lineups:
Toulouse Expected XI:
Guillaume Restes (GK), Moussa Diarra, Mikkel Desler, Logan Costa, Rasmus Nicolaisen, Stijn Spierings, Vincent Sierro (C), Aron Dønnum, Yann Gboho, Gabriel Suazo, Thijs Dallinga
Benfica Expected XI:
Anatoliy Trubin (GK), Fredrik Aursnes, António Silva, Nicolás Otamendi, Álvaro Carreras, João Neves, Orkun Kökçü, Ángel Di María, Rafa Silva, João Mario, Arthur Cabral
Head-to-Head Record:
Toulouse and Benfica have only faced each other twice in their long histories of the respective clubs. Their only face-off prior to last week’s first-leg tie came back in 2011 in a club friendly. Out of the two matches the clubs have played each other in, Benfica have won both ties. The second leg on Thursday offers the French club to register their first victory against the Eagles.
Last two results:
- Benfica 2-1 Toulouse:- Europa League – 16 February, 2024
- Benfica 1-0 Toulouse:- Club Friendly – 21 July, 2011
Prediction:
Benfica will enter the fixture at Stadium de Toulouse as the stronger side. Their weekend 6-1 trashing of Vizela was certainly a showcase of their might even after several rotations. Meanwhile, Toulouse have had a torrid season after their overperformance last season. However, their victory against Monaco on the weekend could serve as a motivator. In a battle between David and Goliath, the odds are overwhelming in the favor of Goliath but an upset could be on the cards. For now, however, Benfica seem to be too strong to lose the tie. If the first leg is any indication, Toulouse vs Benfica will be an exciting tie.
Predicted Score: Toulouse 1-3 Benfica
Odds and Betting Tips:
Bookmakers expect Benfica to win comfortably and by a convincing margin.
- Toulouse Win: 4.00
- Draw: 3.35
- Benfica Win: 1.88
Odds Source: Oddspedia.com
Bookmaker: Stake
Where to watch Toulouse vs Benfica:
- India: Sony Liv, Sony Sports Network
- France: Canal+, RMC Sport
- Portugal: DAZN Sport TV
- USA: Paramount +