On Tuesday, Villarreal host the first part of their Champions League Group D double-header against Portuguese side Benfica knowing they must win to keep alive their dreams of progressing further in Europe's premier soccer competition. The Spanish side lie third in the Group after two goalless draws against Manchester United and Lille. United lead the group with four points ahead of Benfica in second.Benfica, who have won only once in five visits to Spain, are without both goalkeeper Josi Moreira and Italian striker Fabrizio Miccoli. Miccoli's late goal gave Benfica their only win in Group D, over Lille, which was followed by a defeat at Old Trafford. But it is Portugal's Nuno Gomes who is currently leading the Eagles' attack, scoring seven times in seven league games this season. Gomes bagged both goals last Saturday as the defending Portuguese champions won 2-0 at FC Porto for the first time in 14 years to move into fourth. But coach Ronald Koeman, who scored FC Barcelona's winner against UC Sampdoria in the 1992 competition, promised his team will look to add to that victory with a win in Spain. (AP)
Villarreal, Benfica set for clash
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