Benfica vs Spartak Moscow

Benfica are on the cusp of progressing from the UEFA Champions League third-round qualifying tie versus Spartak Moscow as the two sides meet at the Estádio da Luz in the second leg.

A straightforward 2-0 first-leg victory in Russia puts Benfica in a prime position to reach the Champions League group stage for the 11th season running. A return of a single loss from their last five home matches in the competition (W3, D1), coupled with a 2-1 away win over domestic rivals Moreirense ahead of this clash, further enhances their prospects. Additionally, the Portuguese juggernauts have scored over 1.5 goals in four of their last six Champions League fixtures and have coincidentally replicated that feat in two of their previous three competitive home outings. Going back to 2011/12, Benfica have won each of their last four European home meetings with Russian visitors without conceding a single goal. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that they head into proceedings as overwhelming favorites to progress from this tie.

On the other hand, Spartak Moscow will have to defy the odds to overcome a two-goal deficit in Lisbon, though it looks to be a long shot. Indeed, the Russian side boss Rui Vitoria is coming up against his former employers, carrying a disastrous H2H record against them (GP14 – W2, D1, L11). Unfortunately, the problems do not end there, as we have to go back to 2010 to discover Spartak’s last away victory in the Champions League. Since beating Slovakian outfit Zilina 2-1 in December 2010, the Russians have gone winless in their subsequent eight Champions League road trips (D2, L6), returning a dismal -13 goal difference from those travels (GF:8, GA:21). Both of Spartak’s competitive trips this term have produced the same 1-0 scoreline (W1, L1), highlighting the potential for a tight tussle.