Benfica v Napoli: line-ups, where to watch, form guide
Monday, December 5, 2016
Article summary
"Like a final" is a phrase often heard on matchday six but this game can lay claim to the title, with Benfica and Napoli among three teams bidding for two last-16 spots in Group B.
Article top media content
Article body
- Napoli defeated Benfica on matchday two so will qualify from Group B with a draw
- Whoever wins will qualify in first place and both will be through regardless if Beşiktaş lose
- Napoli could have qualified on matchday three but have picked up only two points in three games
- Benfica's Jonas not yet ready to return from foot problem
Possible line-ups
Benfica: Ederson; Nélson Semedo, Luisão, Nilsson Lindelöf, Almeida; Salvio, Fejsa, Pizzi, Cervi; Guedes, Mitroglou.
Out: Grimaldo (abdominal muscle), André Horta (thigh), Eliseu (thigh), Jonas (foot)
Misses next match if booked: Samaris
Napoli: Reina; Hysaj, Koulibaly, Albiol, Ghoulam; Allan, Diawara, Hamšík; Callejón, Mertens, Insigne.
Out: Milik (knee)
Doubtful: none
Where to watch
Fans can find their local UEFA Champions League broadcast partner(s) here.
Rui Vitória, Benfica coach
The players are ready and they know the importance of this game. We are masters of our own destiny and we will treat this game as if it were a final. Judging by what we have done up until now in the section, I believe we are not done yet in the UEFA Champions League this season.
We believe we can get through, that we can get over the line. When we left Napoli [following our matchday two loss], we were in last place in the group and on Tuesday we will be competing to finish top. That said, we know we are up against one of the top three teams in Italy. We know what we have to do.
Maurizio Sarri, Napoli coach
It will be a crucial match. We will be playing in a great stadium in front of top supporters against a team with a fine coach. Benfica have a strong squad, they are dangerous going forward. We will have to be at our best. We are not interested in playing for a draw; our aim is to get maximum points.
This game will be very different from when we last met Benfica; this time it's a final. Our last domestic game and that of Benfica will have no bearing on this encounter. We must show personality and character. I believe we deserve to go through.
Weekend results
Marítimo 2-1 Benfica (Ghazaryan 5, Maurício 69; Gonçalo Guedes 27)
Benfica's 23-match Liga unbeaten sequence was brought to a halt despite Gonçalo Guedes's third goal in four games.
Napoli 3-0 Internazionale Milano (Zieliński 2, Hamšík 5, Insigne 51)
Piotr Zieliński scored for the first time since May and Lorenzo Insigne notched his fourth goal in three Serie A games as Napoli won for only the second time in seven matches.
Form guide (all competitions, most recent first)
Benfica: LWDWDW
Napoli: WDDWDD
Reporter's view: Paul Bryan (@UEFAcomPaulB)
Benfica were stung badly by Napoli when the teams met in the corresponding fixture. The Italians' 4-2 win gives them the psychological advantage ahead of their second Group B meeting, as does knowing that a draw will suffice to take Sarri's men through.
Did you know?
Napoli's Vlad Chiricheș played in the Benfica academy between 2007 and 2009. Read more in our extensive match background.