AGF – Benfica

The Lisbon club won't be able to win convincingly in Denmark.

Benfica finished only third in the Portuguese league in the last season. After last season the Eagles played in the Champions League group stage, so they had to start in the qualifiers for a place in the main round of the continent's second-tier tournament—the Europa League. At the same time, watching Sporting and Porto prepare for the Champions League. It should be noted that Benfica players' anger is enough to achieve impressive victories in the Europa League. In the penultimate qualifying round of the tournament, the Eagles opened with a 1-2 defeat to St. Gallen, which they answered at home with a 5-0 thrashing of the opponent. Something similar happened in the previous qualifying round, when Benfica, at home, sealed the tie against Hearts 6-1, after which they travelled to Scotland for a 1-1 draw. Aarhus last season unexpectedly became the Danish champions. This achievement happened for the team for the first time in 40 years. Placed in the Champions League qualifiers, Aarhus became the architect of one of the most incredible comebacks. After losing to Lech at their own stadium 1-4, the Danes on the road took revenge with the same score 4-1 and finished off the astonished Poles in a penalty shootout. Sabah Baku did not have such luxury. The Azerbaijani club knocked out the Danish champion in the home leg with a 4-0 score. Having Benfica as the opponent in the Europa League playoff qualifier, no one in Aarhus' camp harbored any special illusions. Consequently, a 3-1 defeat in the first half of the Lisbon match became an expected development. However, after the break the Danes regrouped and defended solidly, not threatening the opponent's goal. Ahead of the return leg, a two-goal defeat does not look catastrophic either mathematically or practically. Especially considering the fact that the team knocked out at this stage will continue its European season in the group stage of the Europa Conference League. Therefore, Aarhus has no restrictions preventing them from fighting for a win at home. Benfica played half-heartedly in away matches in the previous qualifying rounds, so expecting a win from the visitors would be very rash.