The most interesting clash of the Champions League play-off round is set for its second and final chapter, with fans at La Luz likely to see an enthralling encounter between Benfica and Twente. Both teams are still very much in this tie following the 2:2 draw in the first leg, although Benfica are considered slight favourites to go through.

Scoring goals for fun

Heavy investment in the playing squad is finally paying off for Benfica as the team now look more than capable of matching the best sides not only in Portugal but in Europe as well. Following some very promising displays in last year’s edition of Europa League and a disappointing exit from the competition, the Eagles are determined to make it to Champions League group stages this term and they look really close to that objective. After beating Trabzonspor 3:1 on aggregate in the 3rd qualifying round, Jorge Jesus’ side earned a 2:2 draw against Twente in Enschede, meaning that any win as well as a low-scoring draw will see them make it to the next round. However, there is no way that Benfica will adopt a cautious approach in front of their own fans, when the players know they can score at least a couple of goals against every defence in world football, so we can expect the hosts to go for a win here. That will leave the visitors a lot of space to exploit, but the hosts won’t be worried as long as they score one goal more than the opponent.

With Perez, Witsel, Gaitan, Saviola, Cardozo and Nolito all fighting for the places in attack, Jorge Jesus clearly has an embarrassment of riches, although Nolito is certain to start after scoring in every one of his first five games for Benfica.

Twente on fire as well

Twente have recently emerged as one of the best teams in Netherlands, having won the Eredivisie title two years back before missing out on the title defence by losing to Ajax on the final day of the season. Just like all Dutch teams, the Tukkers are well known for their attack-minded approach that helps them score plenty of goals on both domestic and European stage. Co Adriaanse’s side have been in lethal form at the start of the season, winning the Dutch Super Cup as well as all three Eredivisie games, while showing a lot of promise in games against Vaslui and Benfica. Just few days after sharing spoils with Benfica, Twente put five past very good Heerenveen side, hinting that attack will be their main weapon at La Luz. Attacking trio of Bryan Ruiz, Luuk de Jong and Marc Janko are scoring goals for fun at the moment and the Tukkers are heavily relying on them before the match in Portugal.

First choice keeper Nikolay Mihaylov is a doubt with a back injury, while Nacer Chadli misses out through knee problem.

Verdict

Having scored eight and nine goals respectively in their last three games, Benfica and Twente are clearly relying on their strikers to lead them to Champions League group stages, and everything suggests we will see a very similar game to the one that finished 2:2. Therefore, both teams to score looks like the obvious choice.

Our prediction: Both teams to score

Odds: 1.84 (21/25)

Bookmaker: Betfair