Inter vs Benfica Prediction: While there's life, there's hope

Inter have one hand on the ticket to the semi-finals of the Champions League 2022-2023 after a 2-0 victory at Benfica in the first leg of the quarter-finals. Although they have to play away at Giuseppe Meazza, Benfica fans are dreaming of a comeback.

The history of the Champions League has seen many miraculous comebacks. In the 2016-2017 season, Barcelona lost 0-4 to Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg, but won 6-1 in the second leg, thereby winning the final with a score of 6-5. Two years later, Barcelona was the "victim" when Liverpool came back despite winning 3-0 in the first leg... It can be seen that the 2-goal gap (excluding the away goal rule) between Inter and Benfica is not difficult to close.

However, what is the basis for Benfica to reverse the situation? In the last three matches in all competitions, the Portuguese representative lost all. The history of confrontations with Inter also shows that Benfica lost 3 and drew 1 in 4 matches. However, Inter is not in good form in the past series of matches. The Italian representative only won 1, drew 3 and lost 4 in the last 8 matches in all competitions.

In the first leg of the quarter-finals, Inter had less possession and fewer shots on goal than Benfica. It was a match where Inter took full advantage of the opportunities they created, while Benfica, despite having more possession, struggled to find a way to the goal. Benfica's problem was that they did not have a player with the quality of a top European star to control the game and inspire the team.

Football is always full of surprises and although Inter leads 2-0, Benfica still has a chance. To turn the tide and get a ticket to the semi-finals, Benfica need to find many different attacking options and make good use of the opportunities.

An early goal at Giuseppe Meazza would help Benfica put great pressure on Inter. However, choosing an all-out attacking style of play means Benfica is playing a double-edged sword. This style of play could help Benfica score goals, but it could also put the team in a state of disarray when Inter are very good at taking advantage of opportunities and punishing their opponents' mistakes. In a chasing situation, Benfica has no choice but to always keep in mind: While there is life, there is hope.

Force information

Inter: Skriniar is injured, de Vrij's ability to play is still uncertain.

Benfica: Ristic, Draxler and Alexander Bah are absent due to injury.

Notable Statistics

- Inter are in danger of missing out on a top-four finish in Serie A, but a 2-0 win over Benfica in the first leg was a welcome relief for Simone Inzaghi's side.

- Benfica are in a slump with a 0-1 loss to Chaves extending their losing streak to three games.

- Inter lost 5, drew 2 and won only 1 in the last 8 matches.

- 6/9 recent matches and 7/10 recent away trips in all competitions have seen Benfica score at least 1 goal in the first half.

- In the last 4 matches in all competitions, Benfica have only scored two goals.

HOAI PHUONG

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