Spartak Moscow and Benfica likely find themselves a bit stunned that neither was unable to take maximum points from their matches against Celtic. They probably entered Champions League play expecting to fight each other for the second spot in Group G, but now both need all three points from Tuesday’s match just to keep pace with the Scottish champions.
Spartak Moscow vs. Benfica, 2012 UEFA Champions League: Preview and TV schedule
Both Spartak and Benfica are dealing with some injury trouble. Benfica’s best midfield players are injured, while Spartak has had no luck with their goalkeepers.
Without starting goalkeeper Andriy Dykan in net, Spartak have lost their last three consecutive matches in all competitions. They're coming off a road loss to Russian Premier League leaders Anzhi Makhachkala, which is hardly a terrible result on its own, but it's discouraging given their current run of form. Benfica have been victorious in all three of their matches since they lost to Barcelona in the last round of Champions League play.
Spartak Moscow injuries and suspensions
Out: Sergei Pesyakov (foot), Emmanuel Emenike (back), Pavel Yakovlev (knee). In doubt: Andriy Dykan (shoulder).
Benfica injuries and suspensions
Out: Pablo Aimar (thigh), Nolito (hip), Carlos Martins (leg). In Doubt: Nicolas Gaitan (thigh).
Benfica’s injuries leave them light in the midfield and potentially lacking in creativity, especially if Nicolas Gaitan isn’t able to play. The Argentinian star made the trip to Moscow, but Jorge Jesus took 20 players in case he’s unable to feature. Expect him to at least make the bench.
Spartak are hoping that Dykan, who has been recovering from a shoulder injury, can play on Tuesday. Backup goalkeeper Sergei Pesyakov recently sustained a fractured metatarsal, so they’ll have a bit of a goalkeeper crisis if Dykan can’t play.
Match Date/Time: 9 p.m. local, 12 p.m. ET
Venue: Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, Russia
TV: FOX Soccer (U.S.), Sportsnet World (Canada), Sky Sports 2 (U.K.), Sport TV1 (Portugal), NTV+ Football (Russia)
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