Emotional Ties Coming up

The 1st knockout stage for the Europa League is coming to an end on Thursday, as multiple ties still have an unknown outcome. While most of these matches will certainly be exhilarating until the referee’s last whistle, some of them are pretty much set in stone, such as Inter against Ludogorets or Wolves against Espanyol. We’ll take a look at the ones that could potentially be blockbuster matches and get everyone out of their seats.



FC Porto v Bayer Leverkusen

This match has all the ingredients to be one of the best of the night. Why? Because the two teams involved are year in, year out playing Champions League football. The football gods dictated an early matchup between two powerful teams in Europe, and we, as football fans, we just have to enjoy seeing them go head-to-head. The German team got the best out of FC Porto back at their home soil, netting a 2-1 win. The 1st half was all Leverkusen, as they easily controlled the tempo of the match, creating enough chances to go out with a larger score. However, the Portuguese team, with a few tactical changes, started to gain momentum in the last 5 minutes of the 1st half. Momentum that transitioned to the last 45 minutes, where they were pressing harder and getting the ball back much easier. A counter-attack from Bayer, followed by a huge mistake by Manafá, ended up giving the German team their 2nd goal on a dubious referee decision in the Penalty Kick. FC Porto got their goal on a free-kick, something that they’re very strong at, leaving the ultimate decision to Estadio do Dragão, where it’s usually very hard to play for the opposing teams. Will Sérgio Conceição decide for a 3-man midfield, inserting Danilo alongside Sérgio Oliveira and Matheus Uribe or will he stick to his traditional 4-4-2? Corona’s probably taking Manafá spot at the right-back position, so a spot could free up either for another midfielder or someone more creative. It’s important to note that Otávio, one of the most used players this season was suspended due to yellow cards for the 1st leg, and it’s practically certain he’ll play a role in the upcoming match. As for Bayer Leverkusen, they received the terrible news that Kevin Volland won’t play anymore this season, an important player for them. Lucas Alario is the most probable player to replace him, or if Peter Bosz goes for a more free-flowing style, he can opt for Karim Bellarabi as well. Leverkusen has a one goal advantage, so it will be interesting to see how they approach this match. They have the personnel to score anywhere they play, but leading the tie, they could opt for a more defensive playing style. Nonetheless, we’re expecting an incredible fixture at Estadio do Dragão.

Leverkusen ???? Porto



Who are you backing? #UEL pic.twitter.com/fB8lCS5Nlr — UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) February 18, 2020

SL Benfica v Shakhtar Donetsk

This is another tie that we often see in the Champions League. Both teams have dropped from the main European competition to the Europa League this season, as they battle for a place in the next knockout phase. The 1st leg saw the Ukrainian team get the victory by a 2-1 score. Before the match, there were doubts about the two teams current form, as Benfica was coming from consecutive bad results and Shakhtar was restarting their season due to the winter break. However, Luis Castro and his team showed no signs of such break. They dominated the match, with some Benfica spurts here and there, creating the best chances to score. Some would say that the score doesn’t reflect what happened on the pitch, as they had a goal disallowed by the VAR along an inspired Odisseas Vlachodimos on Benfica’s goal. One week has passed by, and what are we expecting for Thursday’s rematch? The Portuguese team has finally found their winning ways again on the weekend, defeating Gil Vicente by 0-1, and will try to do the same when Shakhtar comes to town. The question is, how is Bruno Lage going to lineup his team? Samaris took part in their starting eleven on the weekend, giving them more stability, mainly on defence, letting Adel Taarabt roam around more freely next to the wingers and the striker. Julian Weigl is back, a player who didn’t feature in the 1st leg. Will he opt for three in the middle or go back to his old tactic of Weigl and Taarabt together? Even though they’re behind the tie, Benfica should take precautions, as Shakhtar’s offensive transitions are usually very dangerous. A goal from the away team could put their chances to go through at risk. Another doubt for this match is to see if Chiquinho is featured on their starting eleven. A very creative player who could be seen as a 3rd midfielder in Lage’s system is the link between their middle sector and the attack. The Portuguese player could very well be the X-factor in Thursday’s showdown. On the other hand, Shakhtar Donetsk won’t make many changes on their team. They have a good shot of going through if they stick to their playing style, as Benfica is very permeable at the back right now. Luis Castro and his squad will have their chances, it’s a matter of making them count or not.

? The list of 21 players for the Europa League second leg #BenficaShakhtar.



What starting lineup would you like to see in Lisbon? @EuropaLeague #UEL pic.twitter.com/5ab4N8igPp — FC SHAKHTAR ENGLISH (@FCShakhtar_eng) February 25, 2020

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