The Eagles started their European campaign in the UEFA Champions League. The Lisbon-based team finished third in their group, but it was a challenging journey for them. Only in the final sixth round did Benfica defeat Salzburg 3-1 and continue their European journey. In the round of 16, Benfica faced Toulouse. They won the first leg 2-1, and the second leg ended in a goalless draw. Moving on to the round of 8, the Eagles played against Rangers and won with an aggregate score of 3-2, thanks to a narrow 1-0 victory away. In terms of recent form, in their last five matches, Benfica has secured three victories, drawn once, and suffered one defeat. That defeat came in their last game, losing 1-2 to Sporting.
The French team found themselves in a very tough group in the UEFA Europa League. They were in the same quartet as Ajax, Brighton, and AEK. In six matches, Marseille gathered 11 points, only two points behind the group winner. In the round of 16, the French team faced Shakhtar Donetsk. The first leg ended in a 2-2 draw, and at home, Marseille confidently won 3-1. In the next playoff round, the Olympians faced Villarreal and settled all questions in the first leg. Marseille defeated the Spanish team 4-0, rendering the second leg meaningless. Speaking of their recent form, in their last five matches, Marseille has only managed one victory and suffered four defeats.
