Hapoel Tel-Aviv were always going to be also-rans in Group B and they haven't disappointed. Currently stationed at the bottom of the group with just one point from four matches, the Israeli champions have relinquished even the chimera of progressing to the second round of the Champions League.
But pride is at stake for one of Israel's most famous clubs and they will give their all to register a win at home and give their supporters something to cheer about. Hapoel have lost one and drawn the other of the two group games at the Bloomfield Stadium and tonight they will attempt to go a step higher and bag all three points.
Hapoel coach Eli Gutman is determined to bring smiles on the club's supporters' faces and says, "It's our last home game in this campaign and we want to put in a performance that will make our fans happy. Some people here think that Lyon are the best team in this group, but I think it's Benfica and that they'll come here fighting to win.
"They're an experienced team who like to pass the ball around. The Porto result [Benfica lost 5-0 away on November 7] will have no bearing on this match so we can't draw any conclusions from that. We all make mistakes and have to learn from them, and I'm sure we won't let anyone down tomorrow."
Back In The Frame
Benfica's vital defeat of Olympique Lyonnais on Matchday 4 propelled them back into contention for a top two finish in the group and the Portuguese champions will attempt to build on from that game.
At the moment Benfica have six points and are third, a point behind second-placed Schalke and three behind leaders Lyon. The Eagles are a massive 10 points off the pace already in the Portuguese league and Europe is their main adventure zone.
Coach Jorge Jesus is fully aware of the significance of the match and explains, "It's a very important game for Benfica and our last away tie in the section, so we have to win this one. We know Hapoel are very strong at home; they almost beat Schalke, so we'll need to be at our best to win this match.
"We won't change our style from the league to the Champions League, but we do have a plan B in case that's needed. I'm not interested in the Lyon-Schalke game, only this one. All my players are aware of its importance and the goals we've set for ourselves."
TEAM NEWS
Hapoel Tel-Aviv
Mahran Lala and and Romain Rocchi are long-term injury concerns because of a knee and a groin problem respectively. Avihay Yadin hurt his knee in training last week and Salim Toama has a muscle tear but striker Etey Shechter is fit again. Captain Walid Badir is likely to start on the bench due to a hamstring injury.
Benfica
Both Oscar Cardozo and Fabio Coentrao trained on Tuesday in Israel and are available for selection. However, Cardozo hasn't played in around two months and he may not start against Hapoel.
Prediction
Hapoel will have home advantage but Benfica have superior quality. However, winning a game in Europe away from home is not an easy task and the Israeli side will make it tough for the Portuguese champions and should eventually bag a point.
Hapoel 1-1 Benfica 
