In Rome, with 1991/92 as inspiration

This Thursday, Benfica defends a flawless record: zero home losses in the Europa League. Even in a "borrowed" stadium, the eagles play as guests and want to remain undefeated, as they have been for 26 matches (including qualifying rounds). The Reds have racked up 21 wins and five draws; if we look only at the group stage, there have been 15 wins and four draws in 19 matches.

In the Europa League, coach Mikel Arteta took the opportunity to carry out some team rotation. Still, analyzing the most used players, we can see an eleven set in 4x3x3 with: Rúnarsson; Cédric, Mustafi, Kolasinac, Maitland-Niles; Elneny, Granit Xhaka, Joe Willock; Reiss Nelson, Nketiah and Nicolas Pépé.

Against Benfica, the Spanish coach cannot use Thomas Partey and Kieran Tierney, due to injury. And the presence of Aubameyang is in doubt after the match against Leeds United. 

HISTORIC TIE IN 1991/92 

On October 23, 1991, at the old Estádio da Luz, Benfica and Arsenal played the 1st leg of the 2^nd qualifying round of the Champions league.

The second leg took place in London on November 6, 1991.

THE NUMBERS IN THE 2020/21 EUROPA LEAGUE

At the Stadio Olimpico in Rome will lock horns two of the most offensive teams in this edition of the Europa League. Arsenal has 20 goals, Benfica has 18. Another offensive aspect where balance can be seen is in the shots. The English outfit has 108 (18 per match) and Benfica has 86 (around 15 per match), according to UEFA statistics.

Benfica has 3195 completed passes and an efficacy of 87 percent; the Londoners have 3479 passes and an accuracy of 88 percent. The eagles have 56 percent ball possession, while Arsenal displays an average of 61 percent.

Benfica has fewer corners (six against nine from the gunners) but also concedes fewer to its opponents (2,67 against 3,33).

In the individual stats, Pizzi and Darwin stand out. The Portuguese midfielder is the competition’s top scorer – tied with Yusuf Yazici –, with six goals. The Uruguayan striker has five goals.

According to the Wyscout platform, Pizzi is also the player with the most direct participation in goals: eight, divided into six goals and two assists.