Boasting a one-goal lead after the first leg of their UEFA Europa League quarter-finals tie, Benfica travel to face Olympique Marseille at
Marseille had a weekend off after the first leg result. That 2-1 defeat was preceded by four other defeats in all competitions. Injuries have decimated the squad, which had otherwise won five matches in a row just prior to this sequence. They find themselves ninth in the league standings in France and in doubt of their European qualification for next season. That puts emphasis on progressing from this tie, but it is no foregone conclusion. The hosts have won five of seven matches in the Europa League before losing two in a row, knocking off their momentum. The challenge will be to replicate their home form in this competition, as Marseille have won their last four Europa League matches at this venue.
Benfica followed the win in the first leg with a 3-0 win over Moreirense in the domestic league competition. That result keeps them four points behind archrivals Sporting before they take the field on Tuesday. The focus on domestic commitments hasn’t diluted their overall form, as Benfica have won six of their last eight matches in all competitions, losing only once. They have yet to taste a defeat in the Europa League competition this year, winning three and drawing two matches. Interestingly, all three of Benfica’s wins in this Europa League campaign have come by a narrow one-goal difference. While their away form is challenging, the visitors will be worried about how their fortunes nosedived in recent times. Benfica have won just two of their last seven matches away from home in all competitions. That includes two wins, but with those coming in their last three away matches, Benfica will hope to progress to the semis.
Prediction:Marseille 1-1 Benfica
Marseille vs Benfica stream and TV listing
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