Two clubs looking to return to form will do battle today in a friendly between Benfica and Athletic Bilbao. The match scheduled for 1:30 p.m. ET will be held at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon and can be live streamed via Benfica TV.
With UEFA Champions League play en route to Bilbao, taking any challenge in stride remains the message of manager Ernesto Valverde. The Athletic boss hasn't tempered any expectations for the upcoming campaign, claiming his side is prepared to measure itself against the world's best.
"We are awaiting the Champions League draw," Valverde said (via Inside Spanish Football). "But we aren't very worried. We are psyched to measure ourselves up against the strongest opponents. We think Zenit will advance, so we don't expect to be seeded and that is alright."
When asked about preseason preperations, he added: "This summer we are going to grow a lot. We will train hard and play well to prepare. We cannot start the season with 29 players in the squad, so moves aren't done yet. Players have to earn their place."
The next opportunity for everyone at Bilbao to prove their worth will come in Lisbon this afternoon.
Tactical Preview
Player to Watch: Benfica's Nicolas Gaitan has proven to be a lethal commodity down the channel for the club. The 26-year-old made 26 league appearances last season, finishing his campaign with four goals.
Benfica's Projected Lineup (4-3-3): Artus; Pereira, Sidnei, César, Benito; Ruben Amorim, Talisca, Salvio; Gaitán, Lima, Cardozo
Athletic Bilbao's Projected Lineup (4-4-2): Remiro, Etxebarria, Magdaleno, Amelibia, Unai, Vesga, Oteo, Salinas, Merino, García, Seguín
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