Benfica will attempt to end a seven-game run of defeats in European finals when they face Sevilla in the final of the Europa League on Wednesday evening.
The Portuguese outfit, who have twice collected silverware in UEFA competition, were beaten in the final of the Europa League last season and have not won the trophy since 1962.
Sevilla, meanwhile, last won the competition in 2007. The Spanish outfit started their Europa League campaign back in the third qualifying round in August, meaning that tonight's conclusion is their 19th European match of the season.
That is not the case for Benfica, however, who entered the competition after exiting in the group stages of the Champions League. Since transferring to the Europa League in the last-32 stage, Benfica, who beat Juventus in the semi-finals, have won six and drawn two of their eight matches.
Incredibly, however, Benfica have not beat Spanish opposition in their last 14 matches – a run that stretches 32 years. The last time they overcame a Spanish side was in September 1982, when they were 2-1 winners over Real Betis. In total, they have faced La Liga teams on 22 occasions, winning just five times and suffering 10 defeats in the process.
Sevilla, meanwhile, have played 16 official UEFA matches against Portuguese sides, including four meetings this season. In total, their record is won eight, drawn three and lost five.
The two sides have met just twice in UEFA competition. Both of those fixtures took place in the preliminary stages of the 1957-58 European Champion Clubs' Cup. Sevilla won the first leg 3-1 at home, before progressing with a goalless draw in Lisbon. Since then, the Iberian rivals have not crossed paths.
Sevilla, who overcame Valencia on away goals in the semi-finals, could be without leading scorer Kevin Gameiro, who is struggling with a muscular injury, while Vitolo is also an injury doubt. Jairo Samperio will definitely be available, however, through suspension.
Experienced Spaniard Jose Antonio Reyes is expected to come into the XI, while Carlos Bacca will lead the line. Stephane Mbia and Daniel Carrico, meanwhile, should start in central midfield.
Benfica will be without suspended trio Enzo Perez, Eduardo Salvio and Lazar Markovic. Oscar Cardozo is expected to lead the line with support from Rodrigo and Lima, while Nicolas Gaitan will hope for a start in midfield.
Recent form
Sevilla: WLLDL
Benfica: WDDWL
Possible starting lineups
Sevilla: Beto; Figueiras, Fazio, Pareja, Moreno; Mbia, Carrico; Marin, Rakitic, Reyes; Bacca
Benfica: Oblak; Pereira, Garay, Luisao, Siqueira; Gaitan, Almeida, Sulejmani; Lima, Cardozo, Rodrigo
Sports Mole says: 1-2
Matt Law
