On Wednesday, August 17, FC Dynamo Kyiv will play the Champions League qualification play-off round first leg. The White-Blues will face the Portuguese side SL Benfica at the Stadion Miejski im. Wladyslawa Krola in Lodz.
TEAMS’ PATH
- Dynamo finished second in domestic league last season interrupted by war and started with the Champions League second qualifying round. At first Mircea Lucescu’s men outplayed Fenerbahce SK and then SK Sturm Graz.
Second qualifying round
Dynamo – Fenerbahce – 0:0
Fenerbahce – Dynamo – 1:2 (after extra time)
Goals: Szalai (89) – Buialskyi (57), Karavayev (114)
Third qualifying round
Dynamo – Sturm – 1:0
Goal: Karavayev (28)
Sturm – Dynamo – 1:2
Goals: Hojlund (27) – Vivcharenko (97), Tsyhankov (112)
- Benfica finished third in the Portuguese league last season and started the Champions League with the third qualifying round by defeating the Danish side FC Midtjylland.
Third qualifying round
Benfica – Midtjylland – 4:1
Midtjylland – Benfica – 1:3
LINEUP CHANGES
Dynamo
In: Vladyslav Dubinchak, Tomasz Kedziora, Benjamin Verbic, Vladyslav Supriaha, Vladyslav Vanat (all – back after loan move).
Out: Carlos de Pena, Heorhiy Tsytaishvili, Gerson Rodrigues, Fran Sol, Eric Ramirez, Vitinho, Benjamin Verbic, Sidcley, Ibrahim Kargbo.
Benfica
In: David Neres, Enzo Fernandez, Joao Victor, Alexander Bah, Petar Musa, Mihailo Ristic, Florentino, Chiquinho, Tomas Tavares.
Out: Darwin Nunez, Everton, Haris Seferovic, Valentino Lazaro, Nemanja Radonjic, Mile Svilar.
LINEUP ISSUES
Dynamo
- Midfielders Serhiy Sydorchuk and Denys Harmash will skip the game due to suspension while forward Vladyslav Supriaha has had a surgery.
Benfica
- Brazilian center back Lucas Veríssimo keeps recovering after injury. It’s also questionable whether Joao Victor will be able to take the field.
NEW SEASON START
Unlike Dynamo, Benfica have already played two domestic league matches. They’ve defeated FC Arouca 4:0 and Casa Pia AC 1:0.
TECHNICAL DATA
FC Dynamo Kyiv – SL Benfica
August 17, 22:00, Lodz, Stadion Miejski im. Wladyslawa Krola
Broadcasting – MEGOGO
FACE TO FACE
Champions’ Cup 1991/1992, group stage
27.11.1991. Dynamo – Benfica – 1:0
01.04.1992. Benfica – Dynamo – 5:0
Champions League 2016/2017, group stage
19.10.2016. Dynamo – Benfica – 0:2
01.11.2016. Benfica – Dynamo – 1:0
Champions League 2021/2022, group stage
14.09.2021. Dynamo – Benfica – 0:0
08.12.2021. Benfica – Dynamo – 2:0
