The Israeli club were one of the most unexpected visitors to the new Champions League draw. Their fans were probably happiest when the group stage draw was announced. Along with Benfica, Maccabi will face the stars of PSG and Juventus in quartet H. It is not without reason that bookmakers have priced the Haifa players' exit to the play-offs at odds of 35, and their victory in Europe's elite tournament at fantastic odds of 1,500 and more. The transfer value of the Portuguese club's squad is more than ten times that of their rival. Still, because of the serious competition in the group, the Eagles are predicted by analysts to be only 21-23 contenders for the title.

Benfica finished solidly third in the Portuguese league last season, behind Sporting and Porto. The Eagles lost their attacking leader, Darwin Nunez, in the off-season but had such a successful transfer campaign that they started the new season superbly. The efforts of Rogers Schmidt, who managed to establish the team's playing links as quickly as possible, are worth mentioning. Nine of the nine official matches of the season resulted in victories for Benfica. These included four Champions League qualifying games against Middjelland and Dinamo Kyiv and five Portuguese league games.

The Israeli champion began the season with a Super Cup defeat at the hands of Hapoel Be'er Sheva, and then played a whole month exclusively in Champions League qualification. During this period, the team managed to overcome quite serious barriers for this level in the form of Olympiacos and Red Star, as well as Apollo of Cyprus. The good form of the reigning champion was also reflected in three victories in the national league, including over the aforementioned Hapoel. Undoubtedly, Maccabi has a well-coordinated and interesting team, capable of performing at a good level. That said, the teams from the tournament qualification are the ceiling for the modest Israelis - the class to take points away from the opponent in Lisbon is unlikely to be enough for them.

Benfica's star players, if they want to compete for a playoff spot, should not underestimate their upcoming opponents. And the underestimation factor is the only chance for the visitors not to lose in Portugal with a devastating score. Let's eliminate this factor and bet on the more solid home side.