25th Apr 2013 | Football
Fenerbahce v Benfica Tip
The Portuguese outfit are hugely experienced European exponents and have only lost once domestically all season.
Fenerbahce coach Aykut Kocaman has described Thursday’s showdown with Benfica as “the most important match in our history.” It is indeed the first time that the Turkish side have graced a European semi-final and it remains to be seen if they can rise to the occasion.
On the evidence of their route to the final four, this could be where the adventure stops for the hosts. In the last 32, Fenerbahce edged past FC Bate Borisov thanks to a penalty against 10 men in the home leg. In the next round the Turks snuck past Plzen after a less than convincing 1-1 draw in their home leg.
The Istanbul club’s finest hour came in the quarter-final success over Lazio. This time more high-profile opposition were punished but again a sending-off was pivotal. The Italians lost 2-0 away after a red card and a couple of late goals. The underdogs then held on gallantly in Rome before grabbing a late away goal to settle matters.
A great story for Fenerbahce but it’s clear to see that fortune has played a major part in their progression. They now face a Benfica team who held Barcelona to a draw in the Nou Camp earlier in the season and were unlucky to exit the Champions League.
The Eagles have looked a class act since dropping into the Europa League. They are unbeaten (W5 D1) and have scored in every fixture. Jorge Jesus’s side will travel intent on claiming a crucial away goal and I think they will succeed.
Benfica beat Leverkusen 1-0 away in the round of 32 and then dispatched Bordeaux 3-2 on their travels in the last 16. I think it should follow a similar path tonight and I’m taking the Portuguese to win by a one-goal margin at best odds of 31/10 with Ladbrokes.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 11:02 25th Apr, 2013 but subject to change
