Toulouse vs Benfica Lisbon Prediction & Betting Tips - Europa League

Prediction published on 20/02/2024, 12:45  by Ian John in Europa League Predictions

A controversial late penalty handed Benfica a 2-1 win over Toulouse in the first leg of their Europa League Playoff Round 1st leg tie at the Stadium of Light last Thursday. The visitors felt hard done to by that 98th minute penalty award, which saw Angel di Maria convert for his second goal of the game to hand the home side a narrow lead for the second leg. Defender Christian Mawissa will miss the second leg through suspension after being red-carded in added time but the home side can still call upon a number of talented players, amongst them Thijs Dallinga, the young Dutch striker who has attracted attention from a few top flight clubs across Europe. The striker has netted four goals in seven Europa League games this season and he will likely carry Toulouse best hope of a win.

Benfica will be hoping their blend of great experience in the likes of Otamendi, Di Maria, Joao Mario and Juan Bernat will be enough to see them through what promises to be a tricky second leg at the Stadium de Toulouse. The home side will be confident after a fine win away to Monaco at the weekend, but Benfica can point to a long unbeaten run that goes back to their Champions League group stage games with Inter and Real Sociedad (apart from a Portuguese Cup defeat on penalties). Coach Roger Schmidt has some fantastic talent to call on, notably in attack where Di Maria serves the likes of Arthur Cabral, David Neres and Rafa Silva. A massive 6-1 win at the weekend over Vizela was a fantastic warm up for them for what could be a tricky evening in southern France.