Benfica might be regarded as one of the Champions League outsiders at this stage of the competition, although there has been so much to like about this team. Since losing 3-0 to Braga on 30 December, there has been no stopping Roger Schmidt’s team who look virtually certain to be crowned champions of Portugal and will now be focused on making history in Europe.
Benfica were able to claim an emphatic 7-1 aggregate win over Club Bruges in the previous round, winning 2-0 in Belgium before a 5-1 victory against the same opponents. They have also had breathtaking results domestically including a 5-1 triumph against Vitor Guimaraes and there has been plenty to like about the form of Joao Mario.
Mario is set for a big money move this summer although Benfica will firstly be hoping that he can deliver some superlative performances starting with Inter at home. The Italian side are streets behind runaway leaders Napoli in the Serie A standings, with Simone Inzaghi’s team bidding to qualify for the Champions League and it’s a competitive tussle.
Away from home, Inter’s form hasn’t been particularly sparkling, with the Milan side having won five of their thirteen away clashes and they are likely to operate defensively in this encounter. Inter have conceded twenty-four times on their travels domestically this term and there will be a hope that Lautaro Martinez can score a goal on the road.