Two clubs chasing UEFA Europa League glory will do battle today in a cup match between AZ Alkmaar and Benfica. The quarterfinal clash scheduled for 3:05 p.m. ET will be held at AFAS Stadion in Alkmaar and can be live streamed here.
Though Benfica are favored to advance past Dutch outfit AZ Alkmaar, manager Jorge Jesus is adamant that eliminating the Eredivisie club would be a great achievement (h/t to MaisFutebol). "If we eliminate AZ, it will be a great achievement advancing to the semifinals," Jesus said. "It is always a great achievement."
The Benfica coach left praise for Dutch football, claiming they have great teams and quality players. "We came here to recruit two players," he added. "It is a sign that these teams have excellent players and good teams."
Will Benfica show Dutch football that they too are a great team with a victory on the road? Tell us @SportsWN
Tactical Preview
Player to Watch: Benfica's Ruben Amorim has had few chances to make an impact this season. The 29-year-old only has 14 appearances in domestic and European competition, but is completing 87.4 percent of his passes from the club's midfield.
AZ Alkmaar's Projected Lineup (4-3-3): Esteban; Poulsen, Viergever, Gouweleeuw, Johansson; Ortiz, Elm, Gudelj; Gudmundsson, Johannsson, Berguis
Benfica's Projected Lineup (4-2-3-1): Obiak, Siqueria, Luisao, Garay, Silvio; Amorim, Fejsa; Rodrigo, Galtan, Markovic; Lima
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