The Portuguese are close to securing qualification: Aarhus vs Benfica prediction
The second leg of the Europa League qualifying play-off between Aarhus and Benfica will take place on 27 August at Ceres Park & Arena. Following a 3-1 victory in Lisbon, Marco Silva's side hold a comfortable advantage and are now one step away from reaching the main stage of the competition.
Aarhus: the Danes must take risks from the opening minutes
Jakob Poulsen's side find themselves in a difficult position after a 3-1 defeat at the Estádio da Luz. Sebastian Jørgensen managed to reduce the deficit in the first meeting, but the Danes still conceded a third goal before half-time and must now overturn a two-goal deficit.
Aarhus' form also offers little cause for optimism: the club are winless in four consecutive matches across all competitions, with one draw and three defeats. In their latest league fixture, the reigning Danish champions drew 2-2 with Odense and, following a poor start to the season, sit only 10th in the Superliga.
Benfica: attack operating at full capacity
Benfica are unbeaten in seven matches since their 2-1 defeat to St Gallen, recording five wins and two draws. In the previous qualifying rounds, the Portuguese side swept aside St Gallen and Hearts by an aggregate score of 11-1, while before the first meeting with the Danes they thrashed Casa Pia 7-0.
Vangelis Pavlidis' form has been particularly impressive: his converted penalty in the first leg was his 10th goal in his last five matches for the club. Rafa Silva has also been consistently productive and has already scored in four of his six starts this season.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Benfica won the first leg 3-1.
- The Portuguese club are unbeaten in seven consecutive matches across all competitions, with five wins and two draws.
- Aarhus have lost four of their last five head-to-head meetings with Benfica.
The visitors' quality should tell: Aarhus vs Benfica prediction
Aarhus are forced to push forward and take risks, so the hosts are likely to try to make the game more open. However, that scenario suits Benfica perfectly, as they are currently extremely effective in attack and hold a two-goal advantage.
The Danes are capable of creating chances on home soil, but current form and the difference in squad quality favour the visitors. The Portuguese side look confident enough not only to protect their lead, but also to win again.
