Benfica hold what could be a crucial lead from the first leg in Lisbon and though Juventus are favourites to progress to the Europa League final, we think they won’t have it all their own way in Turin. Read on for the latest betting tips, odds comparison and analysis as we give our predictions for this semi final second leg match.
Benfica raced out of the blocks in the first leg and took the lead in the second minute through a Ezequiel Garay header. In an end-to-end match with plenty of chances, there was little between the sides and though Juve had the better of the possession they were unable to fashion enough scoring opportunities to get back into the game. Until, that is, Carlos Tevez stepped up in the 73rd minute to level things. Benfica, though, were unwilling to give up and were rewarded with the winning goal in the 84th, Lima smashing the ball past Gianluigi Buffon.
Antonio Conte’s men will be confident of getting the win they need on home soil, and they are priced at best betting odds of 4/6 with Bet365 to do just that. But the draw – at 14/5 with Sportingbet – offers some appeal as we get the impression the newly crowned Portuguese champions will take the game to Juve in Turin and cause the home side some major problems. While we won’t be backing Benfica to win the match at 11/2 with Stan James, we like the look of them to qualify for the final at best betting odds of 6/5 with BetVictor as they upset the odds but make us a tidy profit.