Hapoel Tel-Aviv vs Benfica preview - Benfica eyeing last 16

Posted Wednesday, November 24, 2010 by PA

Benfica are hoping to secure a last-16 place in the Champions League for the first time in five years and know that wins over Hapoel Tel-Aviv and Schalke could make that happen.

The Portuguese club travel to Israel to face Tel-Aviv, three points behind Group B leaders Lyon and a point behind second-placed Schalke.

A win will mean qualification is a possibility if they beat Schalke in two week's time, but they must overcome this hurdle first.

Argentina duo Pablo Aimar and Javier Saviola carry most of the expectation for Benfica, and Saviola is aware of how important a game it is.

"Hapoel are next and now the group is really open so it is a massive match," he told www.uefa.com. "We are lucky that things are in our hands again.

"However we are playing a team that surprised us (earlier in the group) even though we won.

"They surprised us with how they played in possession as a team, they have very skilful players.

"Teams play differently home and away but they will be very tough in Tel Aviv."

Benfica's ranks have been depleted over recent seasons, with a number of their leading players leaving for pastures new.

Aimar accepts that has hindered them, but does not see why it should stop them enjoying success in this season's competition.

"It is good for those players to try other leagues to see if they can play in countries that may be more competitive than the Portuguese league," he said.

"That makes it difficult for a Portuguese team to win the Champions League but we are one of the 32 teams involved and someone has to win it."

Aimar is of the opinion that his partnership with Saviola in attack is the key for Benfica, adding: "We always see the same things, he's always moving where I thought he would go and I think the same happens for him.

"That is why we have an understanding of each other and that is why we really like to play together. We enjoy being on the same pitch."

Luisao returns from suspension for Benfica, while Ruben Amorim is approaching full fitness after a knee injury.

Striker Etey Shechter is poised for a return for Tel-Aviv after shaking off a hamstring injury, but midfielder Salim Toama and captain Walid Badier are out.

"Benfica are in a better situation than we are, but that is the beauty of football - there is always a chance to win," said manager Eli Gutman.