Bordeaux visits Benfica in the first leg of the Europa League 2013 Round of 16 on Thursday.
Bordeaux has had a season to forget in the Ligue 1. In 27 matches, the team has won nine, drawn 11, and lost seven. More importantly, the team is on a four game losing streak in the French league and is watching its chances of competing in a major competition next year slip away. Fortunately, the team has looked solid in the Europa League and will look to continue its strong play against a solid Benfica side.
"We know they are a big team. It does not scare us. We expect a big game. Mentally, we need to react. This is not a league game, we must react quickly to forget those four defeats in a row in the league," said Bordeaux star Gregory Sertic. "In the Europa League we have managed to surpass our league performances. Why not do it again against Benfica? Kiev was a very big team. We're ready.''
The team got off to a 4-0 win against Club Brugge in its first group game. The team lost 3-0 in its following game to Newcastle United but drew 1-1 with Maritimo. The team then reeled off three wins in its final group games including a 1-0 win over Maritimo, a 2-1 victory over Club Brugge, and a 2-0 triumph over Newcastle. In the Round of 32 Bordeaux knocked off Dinamo Kyev by an aggregate score of 2-1.
Benfica is coming off a 3-1 aggregate victory over Bayer Leverkusen. On the team's Facebook page, Benfica noted the qualities of Bordeaux. "We face a very strong opponent and with high quality, they have good players. We will try to impose our game and leave with a good result in our own stadium," wrote the club.
Prediction: Benfica wins 2-0.
Start Time: 3:05 PM EST
TV Info: Fox Soccer Plus