A place in the Champions League round of 16 is at stake when Benfica and Napoli clash at the Estadio da Luz on Tuesday. In one of the closest groups in the UCL this season, three teams are fighting it out for two places in the knockout stages.
Napoli, Benfica and Besiktas all stand a chance of staying in the Champions League when it returns with the last 16 next year, but to do that they need to find the right result. While Napoli and Benfica have eight points from five matches, Besiktas are a point behind.
The Italians go into the final round of matches in the strongest position, with a draw taking them to the next stage of the competition. Benfica could also go through with a point, but to make sure of a place in the last 16, they need a win, owing to the fact that Napoli have a better head-to-head record against them.
Besiktas have the easier of the games, against Dynamo Kyiv, who have only picked up two points in five matches, and the Turkish side will back themselves to find all three on Tuesday.
"The players are ready and they know the importance of this game," Benfica manager Rui Vitoria said. "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 Champions League this season.
"We believe we can get through, that we can get over the line."
When Benfica and Napoli faced in the first matchup in Naples, the Italian side picked up an exciting 4-2 win. Their main men Marek Hamsik, Dries Mertens and Arkadiusz Milik were all on target in that game, and while Maurizio Sarri will bank on the first two to deliver again, he will have to make do without Milik, who has been ruled out with a knee injury.
"It will be a crucial match," Sarri said. "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. We must show personality and character."
Where to Watch Live
Benfica vs Napoli is scheduled for a 1.15am IST (7.45pm GMT, 8.45pm CET) start. Live Streaming and TV information is below.
India: TV: No live coverage. Live Streaming: Ten Sports live and Ditto TV.
Italy: TV: Canale 5 and Premium Sport.
Portugal: TV: RTP1 and Sport TV1.
Turkey: TV: Tivibu Spor 3.
UK: TV: BT Sport Xtra. Live Streaming: Watch BT Sport.
USA: TV: ESPN3. Live Streaming: Foxsoccer2go.
