Benfica icon gives Bayern verdict

Ahead of this week’s Champions League clash between Bayern München and Benfica, ex-Benfica and Portugal forward Nuno Gomes has had his say on Bayern.

“As a Benfica fan, I always want Benfica to win. I know it’s difficult, but it’s not impossible.

“Bayern are an excellent team, very strong, and when they play at home, they will want to take control of the game from the start. 

“Benfica will have to be strong defensively and try to do as much as possible to prevent Bayern from scoring early in the game.” Said the 48-year-old on Wednesday evenings clash.

On the current Bayern München side under Vincent Kompany, Gomes highlighted that “Bayern press and defend high. They leave a lot of space behind the backline, but they also have strong and experienced defenders.”

Gomes earmarked multiple men who could pose a threat at the Allianz Arena, including 36-year-old Angel Di Maria.

“[Di Maria] is a very intelligent player, technically strong and could make the difference. Pavlidis and Aktürkoğlu are also very dangerous when given the space to show their qualities.”

With Bayern still winless since the opening night of the competition, Gomes backs his side against Manuel Neuer, who, for Gomes, is “still one of the best goalkeepers in the world and one of the reasons why Bayern are so good.”

“I hope he’s not at his best in the game against Benfica because I think Benfica will create some chances.”

“I’m not good at predictions, but I would like Benfica to get a good result. I think Bayern are favourites, but a draw would be a good result for Benfica. I’m predicting a 2-2 because I like to see goals.”

The Portuguese giants sit ten places ahead of Bayern in the current standings, with two wins from three compared to the one accumulated by Vincent Kompany’s men.

However, with a home clash ahead after trips to Birmingham and Barcelona, the hope will be for the Belgian coach that his Bayern side can rebuild momentum in the competition to match their domestic form.