The Champions League knockout stage kicks off in less than a week with the remaining eight teams standing a chance of claiming victory. While one half of the draw has Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Real Madrid, the other half is considered relatively weaker with the likes of Napoli, AC Milan, Inter Milan and Benfica battling for a spot in the final. At the moment, Napoli are strong favourites to make the finals after their impressive Champions League display that saw them demolish Liverpool in the first game and Europa League Champions, Eintracht Frankfurt in the last 16. Their Talismen Victor Oshimen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia have been one of the most dangerous duels in Europe this season and the Napoli squad looks formidable.

While all eyes are on the Italian Giants, Benfica looks like a side that would cause an upset and make it to the final. They, like Napoli, are top of their league and have been sensational since the arrival of Roger Schmidt in the summer. Benfica topped a Champions League group containing the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus, the latter who they beat over two legs. Despite losing Enzo Fernandez to Chelsea in January, the Portuguese giants have coped well with his departure and might be on course for their best Champions League run in over a decade.

Their top scorer in the Champions League, Joao Mario has scored six goals from an xG of 4.5 and provided two assists. His form in the latter stages of the competition might be key for the two-time champions League winners. While Napoli might be getting praise and attention from the media, it’s worth noting that Benfica could be the dark horse and might be the underdog in Istanbul in May.