"With two matchdays remaining in the league stage, Juventus are 17th in the standings with nine points, while Benfica are on the wrong side of the play-off cut-off in 27th. However, the Lisbon giants are only three points behind the Bianconeri after winning their last two Champions League matches, having lost each of their previous six beforehand. Should Benfica shut Juventus out en route to three points, it would be the first time they have won three consecutive games without conceding in Europe's premier club competition since 1989-99 (a run of five in the European Cup)."
"When we first spoke, he'd say more than me - he always wins in that respect! We respect each other, we appreciate one another and have spoken on the phone. It will be a pleasure to face him. The volume is always turned up a notch when Mourinho is involved, and for me, it will be a source of pride to be in the opposite dugout. You always expect something different with Mourinho. It's a direct clash and I expect Benfica to be aggressive. They will come to play. I'm convinced it will be a good game."
Juventus occupy 17th place in the Champions League group stage with nine points, while Benfica sit 27th and trail by three points after winning their last two matches. Benfica previously lost six consecutive Champions League games before the recent victories, and a shutout win over Juventus would mark their first run of three consecutive clean-sheet European wins since 1989-99. Juventus failed to win any of their first four matches this season but have claimed victory in the last two. Spalletti anticipates tactical variation from Mourinho and expects Benfica to approach the match aggressively. Spalletti's appointment has coincided with improved Serie A form, yielding 24 points since October 30, behind only Inter and AC Milan.
Read at Soccer News
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