Besiktas vs Benfica: Preview and Prediction

Besiktas vs Benfica
UEFA Champions League – Group B
Date: Wednesday, 23rd November 2016.
Kick-Off: 17:45 UK,
Venue: Besiktas Arena, Istanbul.

The Group B in Champions League could go into an exciting finale if the matchday 5 produce some desired results. The two teams at the top Benfica and Napoli are locked at 7 points, while Besiktas are on 6 points. While the rock bottom side Dynamo Kiev have only one point, but they have an outside chance as two wins in a row could put them anywhere inside the top two.

Besiktas remain unbeaten in the Champions League after holding Napoli to a 1-1 draw on matchday 4. This is the third draw by the same score-line with the previous being against Benfica and Dynamo Kiev. Their lone win so far came as a surprise on matchday 3 against Napoli at Naples by a 3-2 margin.

Benfica on the other hand are top of the group on a better goal difference against second placed Napoli on same points. They are coming after earning back-to-back wins against Dynamo Kiev 2-0 at Kiev and 1-0 on matchday 4 at Lisbon. They have lost once this season, at Napoli by a 4-2 margin.

This is an extremely important fixture for both sides as only one point separates them at kick-off. If Napoli win their match against Kiev, they are through to the next round and Besiktas must win against Benfica to keep their chances alive. While a draw in this match will keep both teams in contention until matchday 6.

Besiktas vs Benfica: Head-to-head stats

The first leg clash between the two sides at the Estadio La Luz in Lisbon on matchday 1 was a dramatic thriller. Benfica were leading 1-0 until the final seconds through an early goal until one of their players on loan at Benfica, Talisca scored the equaliser with seconds left on the clock. This is the only competitive meeting between the two sides so far.

Besiktas are without a home win in their 4 previous meetings with clubs from Portugal, 1 draw and 2 losses. While the overall record against Portuguese sides from 10 meetings is 2 wins, 3 draws and 5 losses.

Benfica’s overall record against Turkish sides is 5 wins, 3 draws and 4 losses from 12 matches. They are winless in 5 trips to Turkey, 2 draws and 3 losses.

Besiktas vs Benfica: Prediction

Benfica are a different side than the one Besiktas met on matchday 1 as a number of injury players have returned to the squad. However, their key striker Jonas remains sidelined. While Besiktas will be without Talisca, who scored the equaliser in the 1-1 draw at Lisbon.

From sporting point of view, Besiktas are a team who are yet to taste a defeat at home this season. However, their two previous Champions League home fixtures were draws. While Benfica, despite their lone defeat at Napoli are unbeaten in 8 away matches in all competitions with 7 wins and a draw. So it is very evident that this will be a very tight contest.

Besiktas are without a win at home against Portuguese sides, while Benfica haven’t won in Turkey. As a result a draw will be the most probable outcome on Wednesday. Besiktas have already played out three 1-1 draws in Champions League and this is a score-line we can back on once again.