"Best odds: 17/20 Bookmaker: ZetBet The Allianz Stadium sets the stage for a high-stakes Champions League showdown on Wednesday as Juventus host Benfica in the penultimate round of the league phase. The Italian giants aim to secure a third consecutive European victory-a feat they have not achieved since the 2021-22 season. Yet, Luciano Spalletti's men approach this contest under a cloud of uncertainty following a shock Serie A defeat to Cagliari and a worrying historical record against their Portuguese visitors."
"Juventus were expected to dispatch Cagliari with ease last weekend, but a 1-0 reverse shattered that assumption and marked their first loss to the Sardinian outfit in nearly six years. For Spalletti, it was a second defeat since taking charge, effectively extinguishing any lingering hopes of a Scudetto challenge. The Bianconeri now sit fifth in Serie A, 10 points adrift of the summit."
"Spalletti's squad avoided fresh injuries ahead of matchday seven, though Daniele Rugani (calf) and Dusan Vlahovic (thigh) remain sidelined. No suspensions loom, but Andrea Cambiaso and Juan Cabal risk missing the final group game if booked. Without Vlahovic's three goals, Juventus will lean on Jonathan David and Weston McKennie, each with two strikes, while teenage sensation Kenan Yildiz-already boasting four assists-could play a decisive role."
The Allianz Stadium will host Juventus versus Benfica in the penultimate Champions League group match. Juventus aim for a third consecutive European victory, a feat last achieved in 2021-22, but enter under uncertainty after a shock 1-0 Serie A loss to Cagliari. Juventus sit fifth in Serie A, 10 points behind the summit, yet remain unbeaten in seven Champions League matches, winning six. The club targets a vital win to boost automatic qualification chances; they are currently positioned 17th with nine points and hold a guaranteed playoff berth. Key absentees include Daniele Rugani and Dusan Vlahovic, while Jonathan David, Weston McKennie and Kenan Yildiz could be influential. Benfica arrive in Turin buoyed by a strong record against Italian opposition.
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