This is as close as PAOK Thessaloniki have come to the Champions League group stage. They’ve been regular Europa League participants over the past few years, but the Champions League has evaded them. 2013/14 was the only other time the Greeks got so far, losing out to Schalke in the playoff round. Therefore, this is a great opportunity for Razvan Lucescu to create history, although Benfica is as tough opponent to face.
Bet on Benfica vs PAOK with bet365
The Portuguese giants lost the league title to Porto for the first time in five years, forcing them to go through qualifying. Fenerbahce was a tricky third-round draw, but Benfica is so accustomed to winning that their place in the playoff round never looked in doubt.
On their 2013/14 Europa League final journey PAOK was Benfica’s first adversary. Benfica won both ties then and will be looking for a similar outcome now. They have a streak of eight consecutive years in the Champions League, so only a valiant effort from PAOK’s players will keep them in contention.
Player to watch: Luis Pizzi
Pizzi has been in scintillating form starting off the season scoring four of Benfica’s five goals in Portugal’s Primeira.
Benfica vs PAOK Bet365 Odds
Luis Pizzi to score 4.33 (10/3)
Benfica vs PAOK Prediction
Basel and Spartak Moscow were not opponents PAOK Thessaloniki were supposed to eliminate but they did either way. Those results will have a huge impact on their approach today. They’ll be beaming with confidence so even though Benfica are indisputable favourites to progress, they must be careful not to get caught in a trap. Their experience should help them do that.
Bet on Benfica vs PAOK with bet365
Benfica vs PAOK Kick-off
Time: 21:00 CET/GMT+2
Venue: Estadio da Luz, Lisbon
