What to watch in the European cups: Benfca in a match for everything, worst Ajax at Brighton and others

The third round of the European Cup group stage starts on Tuesday. In the Champions League, Benfica Lisbon has a match for everything, while the worst Ajax in history will take on Brighton, where Premier League clubs are also struggling.

Benfica vs. Real Sociedad

So far, their performance in the group has been the reverse of expectations. Benfica are without a point, while San Sebastian are on four. If the Lisbon side fail to win at home, promotion to the spring group stage will be unlikely.

Newcastle vs. Dortmund

Very similar to the paragraph above. Newcastle surprisingly on four points, Dortmund lost and drew. Now Borussia will travel to the hot ground of Newcastle, the team with the Premier League’s best offense.

Lens vs. PSV

You’re probably tired of it, but it’s the same fairy tale again. Lens on four points, Eindhoven on one. Yet the French runners-up are struggling in the league, while PSV lead the league. Historic stadium last time Arsenal were beaten, the Dutch are not going to have it easy.

Brighton vs. Ajax

Ajax are experiencing the worst start to a season in club history, finding themselves in the relegation zone. Brighton are not 100% either, with coach Roberto de Zerbi complaining of a large squad, with his fourth left back injured at the weekend.

Leverkusen vs. Karabakh

The Czech national team players are both healthy, none of them came off the bench over the weekend. However, there will be a unique opportunity to ask for more playing time in the Europa League. Bayer will rotate, and Patrik Schick in particular has a big appetite after a long injury.

Lugano vs. Brugge

The Swiss team surprisingly has four points after two rounds in the death group of the Conference League. If they also win at home against Bruges, they would be close to qualification. However, the Belgians are the clear favourite.

Spartak Trnava vs. Nordsjaelland

The Trnava team has a lost derby with Slovan in their legs, but they want to grab the first point in the Conference League anyway. However, Nordsjaelland is the dark horse of the competition, last time they scored seven goals against the famous Ludogorets.

Source: UEFA