Two clubs chasing UEFA Champions League glory will do battle today in a match between Benfica and Astana. The group-stage clash scheduled for 2:45 p.m. ET will be held at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon and can be live streamed here free. Additional TV coverage can be found on Fox Soccer Plus.
What They're Saying
Benfica manager Rui Vitoria (via UEFA): "We want to start this group stage well, get three points and continue to perform the same way we did on Friday [Benfica won 6-0 against Belenenses]. First up are Astana, and we want to qualify from the group, which is something that has not happened too often in the past. We will treat Astana like any other opponent."
Astana manager Stanimir Stoilov: "I am glad to be back in Portugal after 20 years [Stoilov played for Campomaiorense]. It will be a very tough match because Benfica are a very strong, ambitious and well-organized team. We want to stop them getting into areas where they can hurt us."
Tactical Preview
Player to Watch: Kostas Mitroglou has been in stellar league form with Benfica. In four appearances, the 27-year-old boasts three goals. He'll look to transfer his domestic form to Europe on Tuesday.
Benfica's Projected Lineup (4-4-2): Cesar; Eliseu, Luisao, Jardel, Silvio; Gaitan, Talisca, Samaris, Guedes; Mitroglou, Jonas
Astana's Projected Lineup (4-4-2): Eric; Ilic, Akhmetov, Postnikov, Anicic; Canas, Muzhikov, Zhukov, Kethevoama; Dzoichiev, Kalonji
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Note: Credit all statistics to officially licensed data from Opta Sports (via WhoScored).
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