Benfica’s momentum meets Lech Poznan’s injury crisis

A gulf in the league-stage table

Benfica are top of the Europa League league-stage table with nine points from three matches, while Lech Poznan are 32nd with one. The gap is eight points, and the teams’ contrasting starts frame a contest in which Lech’s injury crisis could make an uphill task even harder.

Benfica also bring strong home form in this competition: four wins from four home matches, with 18 goals scored and three conceded. Those figures cover Benfica’s nine Europa League matches only, not their wider season or recent form. Lech’s seven-match Europa League record is three wins, two draws and two defeats; away in the competition, they have one win, one draw and one defeat in three matches.

Opposite trajectories

Benfica have won five in a row and are unbeaten in eight. Their last five Europa League matches brought five victories, 16 goals scored and four conceded.

Lech are without a win in four. Across their last five Europa League matches, they have one win, two draws and two defeats, scoring 10 and conceding 11. Their most recent match in the competition ended in a draw, while Benfica’s was a win.

Benfica own the recent meetings

Benfica won both of the sides’ previous two meetings, with no draws or Lech victories. The most recent was a 4-0 Benfica win in December 2020; the earlier meeting ended 4-2 to Benfica.

Six Lech absences sharpen the challenge

Lech are set to miss A. Douglas, A. Gholizadeh, M. Ishak, W. Monka, J. Moutinho and A. Sayyadmanesh. The group includes players sidelined with ankle, knee and groin injuries, as well as absences for other reasons. With six players unavailable, Lech face a considerable selection challenge against a Benfica side already scoring freely at home in this competition.

Benfica also have L. Barreiro and E. Barrenechea listed as unavailable, while D. Lukebakio is questionable with an injury. The home side are not without concerns, but Lech’s longer absence list is the clearer strain on preparation.

The scoring contrast

Benfica scored 16 goals and conceded four across their last five matches; Lech scored 10 and conceded 11 over the same span. That contrast, alongside Benfica’s perfect home record in this competition and Lech’s depleted options, points to the hosts having more control. Lech’s attacking output means they could still threaten, but keeping Benfica quiet looks a demanding prospect.

Our prediction

Benfica’s home strength and winning momentum make them favourites, while Lech’s six absences could limit their ability to manage the contest. Lech have shown they can score, so a response is possible, but Benfica’s greater attacking edge points to a home win.

Benfica 2-1 Lech Poznan