SL Benfica vs Galatasaray - Benfica boss Rui Vitoria: We know we can beat Galatasaray

Posted Tuesday, November 03, 2015 by PA

Benfica are looking to avenge their only defeat in this season's Champions League when they host Galatasaray on Tuesday.

The Turkish outfit beat Benfica 2-1 a fortnight ago to end the defending Portuguese champions' perfect run in Group C.

Galatasaray travel to Lisbon hoping to build on that result, but Benfica coach Rui Vitoria - whose side have won 12 and lost just one of their last 16 European home encounters - is optimistic about his team's chances.

"We lost in Turkey, although we were good in some areas," he said on his club's official website. "The game in Istanbul gave us a better knowledge of our opponents.

"We have maximum respect for Galatasaray and we know that they will pose some problems for us.

"But we know we can beat them and our last meeting showed that for sure."

Benfica are second in the pool, level on six points with leaders Atletico Madrid after three games played.

Atletico play at bottom side Astana on Tuesday.

Benfica bounced back from their defeat to Sporting in the Lisbon derby - which ended their unbeaten run of 55 home matches in the Premiera Liga - with a 4-0 triumph over Tondela on Friday.

"This team always aspires to win," Rui Vitoria said of the domestic win. "We knew that it was crucial to clinch three points.

"To have scored four goals and not concede was significant.

"We wanted a good reaction and we got it."

Benfica are fifth in their domestic standings, eight points adrift of leaders Sporting but have a game in hand.

Galatasaray's victory over Benfica was their first win in Europe in 11 games and lifted the Turkish side to third place, two points adrift of Tuesday's opponents.

"Many think we don't have much of a chance of qualifying from this group," Galatasaray coach Hamza Hamzaoglu said on his club's official website. "We will plan to get the best results we can from our visits to Atletico and Benfica, but it won't be easy considering we're away from home."

Gala have not lost in their last eight matches in all competitions and beat Eskisehirspor 4-0 last Thursday to climb to second in the Turkish Super League, two points behind Besiktas.

The visitors will be bolstered by the return of Wesley Sneijder and Jose Rodriguez from injury but Benfica must do without Greek striker Kostas Mitroglou due to an ankle sprain.

Nelson Semedo and Eduardo Salvio are both also sidelined for the hosts with knee injuries while Andreas Samaris is suspended.