Benfica and Leverkusen Aim for Fourth Consecutive Win... Milan Seeks to Correct Course
Benfica and Leverkusen seek a fourth consecutive victory in the Europa League, while Milan and Juventus aim to correct their course.
Translated by Qiyas from الجريدة — Original source
Portuguese side Benfica and German club Bayer Leverkusen aim to maintain their perfect starts in the UEFA Europa League as they play their fourth-round matches on Thursday, while Italian giants AC Milan and Juventus hope to get back on track.
Benfica appear well-placed to continue their winning streak in the competition when they host Polish side Lech Poznan, who sit 32nd and are one of eight clubs yet to secure a victory. This marks the first time Benfica has won their first three group-stage or league-phase matches in a European competition. Following a convincing 4-1 away victory over Cypriot opponents Omonia in the third round, the Lisbon club returns to the Estádio da Luz seeking to extend this run and secure at least a place in the knockout round play-offs.
Like Benfica, Leverkusen are looking to preserve their unbeaten record in the tournament when they welcome French side Marseille, who are 34th and one of four clubs yet to earn any points.
Leverkusen’s form has dipped in recent weeks, having conceded nine goals in their last three matches across all competitions (one win and two defeats) since their 2-0 victory over Greek side OFI Crete in the third round. This stands in stark contrast to their European campaign, as they remain the only team to have kept clean sheets in all three opening rounds.
Conversely, Marseille are enjoying a strong run domestically, securing their fourth consecutive French League victory with a 2-0 win over Toulouse on Sunday. However, these domestic successes have been accompanied by Europa League defeats, leaving Bruno Genesio’s side near the bottom of the table after three losses from three matches.
AC Milan are looking to improve their results, but their task will not be easy against Ferencváros in the first-ever meeting between the two clubs. Milan regained their domestic dominance late last week with a 3-1 derby victory over rivals Inter, a win that returned them to the top-four contention.
The Rossoneri have suffered only one defeat in their first ten league matches this season, and they aim to transfer that momentum to the Europa League, where they have lost two of their three matches, including a 2-0 home defeat to Benfica.
Meanwhile, Juventus are seeking to make amends for their setback against Rennes when they travel to face AZ Alkmaar, who have made a respectable start to the competition with six points and boast a strong home record of 17 consecutive European matches without defeat.
Juventus arrive in the Netherlands sitting in the top eight (seventh), having scored nine goals in their first three rounds, a tally surpassed only by Benfica (10).
