The semi-finals will be an all Iberian affair with 3 Portuguese clubs (FC Porto, SL Benfica and SC Braga) participating and Villarreal CF as the lone-ranger from Spain. What should we expect from these matches and who will make it to Dublin on May 18th? Here's the second segment of our preview.
Portuguese clubs have been the dominant sides in the competition this season and although luck has played its part in aiding these sides, rest-assured that they deserve to be in this position more than anyone else. In this second semi-final tie, we have 2 Portuguese clubs who have 2 different stories; on one side we have SL Benfica, Portugal's most popular and prestigious club who are well known throughout the world, on the other side we have SC Braga, a club which doesn't possess the monetary strength or following like their other Portuguese Europa colleagues but has impressed over the past decade and especially over the past few years. I actually find this match-up a bit more complicated than our other semi-final; both these sides know each other very well and have split their season meetings with Braga being the one to end Benfica's hope of retaining their title as they captured a crucial victory in March.
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| Benfica & Braga have already met twice this season. |
As mentioned above, SL Benfica are Portugal's most famous club as they ring in memories of European glory when the legendary Eusebio and Co. knocked off Spanish giants Real Madrid. They have always been a sign of the passion the nation has for the sport, but over the past 2 decades have suffered while bitter rival FC Porto has taken most of the accolades including European silverware on 2 occasions. As a matter of fact, Benfica have endured quite a difficult season following their championship last season as Porto has been able to capitalize on their weaknesses. Recently, they fell at home twice to Porto, both were just as heat-breaking as Porto was able to celebrate their league title at the Estádio da Luz and following that were able to overturn a 2-0 deficit from the first leg semi-final in the Cup of Portugal to defeat Benfica 3-1. Thus, Benfica should be even more motivated to capture the Europa League title as it would be the only way to vindicate those tough losses.
SL Benfica have been superb since joining the Europa League at the Round of 32 stage after being eliminated from the UEFA Champions League Group Stage. Despite the disappointment of failing to reach the knockout stages of the Champions League, they've rebounded to produce a great Europa League campaign where they finally managed to win away on German soil. It's also proven a great experience for some of their new and younger players, defensively they've allowed only 6 goals while they've put through 13 goals. The key to their team is quite a familiar story as it comes from the center.
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| FC Porto has gotten the better of SL Benfica this season. |
During the Summer, Benfica lost 2 crucial players in midfield as Ángel di María and Ramires both departed in big money transfers to Real Madrid CF and Chelsea FC. The latter deal for Ramires occurred in August and possibly left the biggest void. Benfica had lined up Nicolas Gaitan as di Maria's successor and although his progression took some time, he has done his part especially in the Europa League; however, Benfica's deal for Ramires left Benfica with no replacement for him on the right side of their diamond midfield set-up where other then providing good attacking support, he also provided Benfica's DM Javi Garcia with some assistance as he was tremendously good at winning possession. Due to this their midfield had to adjust incorporating both Carlos Martins and Aimar at times. Javi Garcia remained at DM and Nicolas Gaitan as mentioned above took over for di Maria. Eduardo Salvio eventually emerged during the season on the right where he became one of Benfica's most dangerous players being able to beat opponents with his speed and footwork.
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| Sidnei has done well replacing David Luiz on the defensive front. |
Defensively, Benfica are led by their Captain and CB Luisão who has been the face of the front line for close to a decade. He was partnered by David Luiz, who other then being a huge fan favorite also had the attention of various large and wealthy European clubs. When he was dealt to Chelsea FC in January, Benfica was said to have surrendered their league campaign by making the move. Luiz's spot was filled by Sidnei, who has done very well after all he was brought in a few years back to play the role so I suppose it was perfect timing. Hopefully, he'll be able to keep up the performances next season when he'll truly be tested with the longevity of the season. In his absence, Benfica have deployed yet another Brazilian CB in Jardel who has also been surprisingly adequate although his aggressive play can be costly not only to the team but to himself as he's already injured himself when making challenges. It should be fair to note that Benfica's new starting options at CB have had help from their LB. Fábio Coentrão is Benfica's prized asset on the left flank and is one of the world's best at the position; his attacking prowess and precise marking ability have made the loss of Luiz seem like an after thought at times. César Peixoto is another utility player on the squad who like Coentrão can also play as a left-winger. Although his defensive capabilities are questioned at times, he adds more experience to this side and may very well feature as he knows this Braga side quite well since featuring for them in 2009. It must be said though that goalkeeper Roberto is their main weakness at the back. The younger Spanish keeper was brought in from Atlético Madrid for a price tag of €8.5 million and struggled early in the campaign and has had relapses of that poor form during these last crucial matches. Against FC Porto, he appeared rather unsettled and was having difficulty clearing simple crosses.
Up front, Benfica possess an excellent South American striking pair in Óscar Cardozo and Javier Saviola. Although the 2 have distinctly different playing styles, they are both equally dangerous if not properly marked; Cardozo is particular is also dangerous from dead ball situations. The 2 haven't been as potent this season with Cardozo in particular being no where near his tally from last season. Franco Jara is currently the third option although he has been placed on the flank at times whilst Alan Kardec is seen as a more natural replacement for Cardozo. Benfica also had at their disposal veteran striker Nuno Gomes; however, he's no longer available after having season-ending surgery. Gomes had scored some goals despite receiving limited playing time which could have seen him rewarded with some time in the Europa League, but we'll never know now.
Let's talk about SC Braga a bit, a side which very few expected to see at this stage are here due to no surprise. Former Portuguese international Domingos Paciência has done an excellent job over the past 2 seasons and although much of the attention is on another Portuguese manager, Andre Villas-Boas, one could argue that Paciência's feat this season is even more incredible with being given fewer resources. Nevertheless, he does possess a squad with several quality players and has instilled the belief that they can win which has carried them this far. Like their opponents, they joined the Europa League at the round of 32 stage after being eliminated from the UEFA Champions League Group Stage. They've only conceded 2 goals in 6 matches which complimented their goal total of 4 very well. Along the way, they eliminated English giants Liverpool and followed that up by defeating a talented Dynamo Kyiv team.
The strategy they've adopted in the Europa League is defense first and attack later. It cannot be said that they are utilizing "anti-football" tactics because they aren't putting 10 men back; rather, they've relied upon precise passing and moments of possession to wear out their opponents. Against Liverpool, they played perhaps the most conservative but against Dynamo Kyiv, they were much more aggressive in attacking. Defensively, I would like to single their goal keeper Artur as he's been quite impressive this season in all competitions. The Brazilian keeper was at one point the 1st choice keeper for AS Roma and has done well taking over the reigns for Portuguese international Eduardo. His supporting cast has been resilient throughout these 6 matches featuring a South American contingent with a Portuguese touch. Sílvio has had yet another good campaign and will garner interest from top clubs during the off-season. The speedy full-back has been key to Braga's attacks having the ability to fly up the flank during attacks and recover rapidly to fulfill his defensive duties. Miguel Garcia is usually operating on the opposite flank, and although not as versatile as Sílvio, has done an adequate job covering. Braga's CB depth consists of an experienced South American wall. Kaká, Alberto Rodríguez and Paulão have all played their parts and show no signs of letting up just yet.
Braga's midfield is perhaps one of the most underrated in the tournament and also when they were present in the UEFA Champions League. It is composed of a mix of Portuguese and Brazilian veterans some of which have experienced playing at such levels. Hugo Viana is the name which stands out the most from this midfield group as he was once hailed as Portugal's next big name talent following his move from Sporting CP at the age of 18 to Newcastle United. However, his time in England was cut short and although he seemingly invigorated his career with a loan spell at Sporting CP, he moved again to Valencia where he spent several seasons on the bench before making a permanent move to Braga. Although Viana never became the player people thought would succeed Rui Costa on the Selecção, he still remains a midfield talent who when in-form is very hard to defend against. At DM, Braga have the well-traveled Custódio, who just like Viana spent most of his early career with Sporting CP. Just as Viana, Custódio was at one point a highly rated prospect and featured as Captain for the Leões. He would make a move to Russia to play for Dynamo Moscow before returning to Portugal. Mossoró, Vandinho, Leandro and Alan are Braga's 4 Brazilian's who make up the rest of their midfield. Mossoró in particular has a personal vendetta with Benfica as he feels he was wrongly expelled in a crucial league match against the Red Devils in which Braga conceded the league lead to Benfica. Alan has been Braga's most potent offensive weapon as he leads the club with 2 goals in the competition and also has the ability to create scoring chances for others as he's shown in league play. However, that doesn't necessarily mean Braga don't have any other players with a good scoring ability.
One of which is Albert Meyong, who despite having an out-of-form season, remains one of the team's leaders up front. Lima is another striker and perhaps their best this season. He's the only other "Arsenalista" to have scored in the Europa League and showed earlier this season that he is capable of being a very dangerous forward player as Sevilla found out. Paulo César is another striker Braga have at their disposal and has played a significant role since joining the club in 2008. Unfortunately, Braga will be without him for the 1st leg as he was sent off in the 2nd leg against Dynamo Kyiv. Hélder Barbosa is a young Portuguese striker who had his beginnings with FC Porto and has been a familiar face on Portugal's youth sides over the years. Paciência may very well look upon him with the suspension to Paulo César.
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| Cardozo (Left) & Saviola (Right). |
Up front, Benfica possess an excellent South American striking pair in Óscar Cardozo and Javier Saviola. Although the 2 have distinctly different playing styles, they are both equally dangerous if not properly marked; Cardozo is particular is also dangerous from dead ball situations. The 2 haven't been as potent this season with Cardozo in particular being no where near his tally from last season. Franco Jara is currently the third option although he has been placed on the flank at times whilst Alan Kardec is seen as a more natural replacement for Cardozo. Benfica also had at their disposal veteran striker Nuno Gomes; however, he's no longer available after having season-ending surgery. Gomes had scored some goals despite receiving limited playing time which could have seen him rewarded with some time in the Europa League, but we'll never know now.
Let's talk about SC Braga a bit, a side which very few expected to see at this stage are here due to no surprise. Former Portuguese international Domingos Paciência has done an excellent job over the past 2 seasons and although much of the attention is on another Portuguese manager, Andre Villas-Boas, one could argue that Paciência's feat this season is even more incredible with being given fewer resources. Nevertheless, he does possess a squad with several quality players and has instilled the belief that they can win which has carried them this far. Like their opponents, they joined the Europa League at the round of 32 stage after being eliminated from the UEFA Champions League Group Stage. They've only conceded 2 goals in 6 matches which complimented their goal total of 4 very well. Along the way, they eliminated English giants Liverpool and followed that up by defeating a talented Dynamo Kyiv team.
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| Braga beat Arsenal 2-0 in the UEFA Champions League Group Stage. |
The strategy they've adopted in the Europa League is defense first and attack later. It cannot be said that they are utilizing "anti-football" tactics because they aren't putting 10 men back; rather, they've relied upon precise passing and moments of possession to wear out their opponents. Against Liverpool, they played perhaps the most conservative but against Dynamo Kyiv, they were much more aggressive in attacking. Defensively, I would like to single their goal keeper Artur as he's been quite impressive this season in all competitions. The Brazilian keeper was at one point the 1st choice keeper for AS Roma and has done well taking over the reigns for Portuguese international Eduardo. His supporting cast has been resilient throughout these 6 matches featuring a South American contingent with a Portuguese touch. Sílvio has had yet another good campaign and will garner interest from top clubs during the off-season. The speedy full-back has been key to Braga's attacks having the ability to fly up the flank during attacks and recover rapidly to fulfill his defensive duties. Miguel Garcia is usually operating on the opposite flank, and although not as versatile as Sílvio, has done an adequate job covering. Braga's CB depth consists of an experienced South American wall. Kaká, Alberto Rodríguez and Paulão have all played their parts and show no signs of letting up just yet.
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| Braga's put Liverpool's attack in their back pocket. |
Braga's midfield is perhaps one of the most underrated in the tournament and also when they were present in the UEFA Champions League. It is composed of a mix of Portuguese and Brazilian veterans some of which have experienced playing at such levels. Hugo Viana is the name which stands out the most from this midfield group as he was once hailed as Portugal's next big name talent following his move from Sporting CP at the age of 18 to Newcastle United. However, his time in England was cut short and although he seemingly invigorated his career with a loan spell at Sporting CP, he moved again to Valencia where he spent several seasons on the bench before making a permanent move to Braga. Although Viana never became the player people thought would succeed Rui Costa on the Selecção, he still remains a midfield talent who when in-form is very hard to defend against. At DM, Braga have the well-traveled Custódio, who just like Viana spent most of his early career with Sporting CP. Just as Viana, Custódio was at one point a highly rated prospect and featured as Captain for the Leões. He would make a move to Russia to play for Dynamo Moscow before returning to Portugal. Mossoró, Vandinho, Leandro and Alan are Braga's 4 Brazilian's who make up the rest of their midfield. Mossoró in particular has a personal vendetta with Benfica as he feels he was wrongly expelled in a crucial league match against the Red Devils in which Braga conceded the league lead to Benfica. Alan has been Braga's most potent offensive weapon as he leads the club with 2 goals in the competition and also has the ability to create scoring chances for others as he's shown in league play. However, that doesn't necessarily mean Braga don't have any other players with a good scoring ability.
One of which is Albert Meyong, who despite having an out-of-form season, remains one of the team's leaders up front. Lima is another striker and perhaps their best this season. He's the only other "Arsenalista" to have scored in the Europa League and showed earlier this season that he is capable of being a very dangerous forward player as Sevilla found out. Paulo César is another striker Braga have at their disposal and has played a significant role since joining the club in 2008. Unfortunately, Braga will be without him for the 1st leg as he was sent off in the 2nd leg against Dynamo Kyiv. Hélder Barbosa is a young Portuguese striker who had his beginnings with FC Porto and has been a familiar face on Portugal's youth sides over the years. Paciência may very well look upon him with the suspension to Paulo César.
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| Braga believes they can win. |
Benfica will be hard to beat...Plain and simple. Braga believes they can win, but Benfica is coming off 2 hard losses to bitter rivals FC Porto which for some may be a good thing for Braga; however, I see this Benfica side coming out looking to raise their spirits and make their way to the Europa League final in order to redeem themselves. Jorge Jesus has had the short end of the stick against Villas-Boas this season and isn't the type to lay down at a potential rematch. Look for his side to come out motivated and looking to score early; if Braga are able to fend off their advances for a half, Benfica may be in trouble. Braga are completely capable of beating Benfica, but it won't happen on this European night at the Estádio da Luz nor will it occur in Braga.
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| Fabio Coentrão (Left) will be too much to handle. |
Look for Benfica to control possession and have double the chances on goal during the match. Fabio Coentrão will give Braga's fullbacks a horrid evening with his speed and 1-2 combinations. If Aimar shows up looking hungry, we can almost shut the door as Braga's defense will not be able to deny him. Javier Saviola has been playing rather well in the Europa League so if I had to choose between he or Cardozo getting on the score sheet, I'd go with him. Although Braga have had a great campaign, they simply have hit a road block, primarily because the team that they are facing knows them so well and also has a player by player advantage. Perhaps Braga will sneak 1 through at home due to Roberto's erratic play, but that still won't be enough.
SL Benfica will progress on a 3-1 agg.
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| All signs point to another collision of these 2 Portuguese giants. |
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