On Thursday, S.L. Benfica will host Olympique de Marseille at the Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica for the first leg of their UEFA Europa League quarterfinal tie. This matchup marks a crucial stage in the 2023-24 Europa League campaign, with both teams vying for a spot in the semifinals. The Portuguese side, Benfica, secured their place in the quarterfinals after crossing over from the round of 16, while Marseille faced a setback when their fears were realized just 48 hours before their trip to Lisbon. The importance of this match cannot be understated, as both teams will be looking to gain an advantage and inch closer to the coveted Europa League trophy.

First Leg Clash Between Benfica and Marseille

In what promises to be an intense and eagerly anticipated match, Benfica and Marseille will go head-to-head in the quarterfinals of the Europa League. Benfica secured their spot in this round after a successful campaign that saw them progress from the previous stages, and they will be keen to maintain their momentum and claim a victory on home turf. Marseille, on the other hand, experienced a setback just days before the match when their fears became reality – their supporters were banned from attending the first leg. This development could potentially impact the team’s morale and add an extra layer of challenge for the French side.

As we approach the Europa League Quarter-Final first leg, let’s take a closer look at the key details surrounding this matchup:

Date: Thursday, April 11th, 2024

Time: Kick-off time yet to be confirmed

Venue: Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica

Live stream: Coverage available on various platforms

This fixture holds significant value for both Benfica and Marseille as they aim to progress to the next stage of the Europa League. Benfica will be relying on their home advantage to secure a favorable result before the return leg, while Marseille will be determined to overcome the obstacles they face, including the absence of their passionate supporters. The winner of this quarterfinal tie will move one step closer to their European ambitions, while the loser will be left to reflect on missed opportunities.