Benfica have a daunting task ahead in their 2018/19 Champions League (CL) opener as they host Bayern Munich – a team they have never beaten, and that are once again one of the top title-contenders.
Undoubtedly, Benfica will look to forget last season’s CL performance, where they lost all six games while scoring just once and conceding 14 times.
The hosts may take hope from their domestic form however. They are undefeated in their first four league matches (W3, D1) with ten goals scored and only three conceded. Fans will hope they can translate that form onto the European stage.
Five-time CL winners Bayern have started their domestic campaign just as well, registering three straight wins in the Bundesliga. After last lifting the CL trophy in 2013, many fans will see triumph in Europe as the main goal this campaign.
Last season, Bayern reached the semi-finals but lost to Real Madrid 4-3 on aggregate. They have now lost in the semi-finals in four of the last five editions.
LIVE STREAMING BENFICE VS BAYERN MUNICH 20.9.2018.
The German champions are undefeated against Benfica in six CL H2H matches, with four wins in which Bayern scored at least three goals per game, and two draws (both 0-0).
Players to watch: Pizzi has been Benfica’s main threat this season with six goals across all competitions. Meanwhile, Thomas Müller has enjoyed a great start to his campaign with two goals and two assists in his first two Bundesliga matches.
Stat attack: Benfica’s all-time record against German opponents reads: W10, D9, L11, with 40 goals scored, and 49 conceded.
Meanwhile, Bayern fare better against Portuguese sides: W13, D8, L1, with 48 goals scored, and 14 conceded.
Bayern have been one of the most consistent CL teams in recent years. Since 2000/01, they have reached the quarter-finals (or better) in all but three editions, winning two titles.
Will not play
Corchia S.
(Knee Injury)
Coman K.
(Ankle Injury)
Ebuehi T.
(Knee Injury)
Rafinha
(Ankle Injury)
Ferreyra F.
(Back Injury)
Tolisso C.
(Knee Injury)
Krovinovic F.
(Knee Injury)
Probably will not play
Fejsa L.
(Thigh Injury)
Jonas
(Back Injury)
Match Information
Referee: Lahoz A. (Esp)
Venue: Estádio da Luz (Lisabon)