Nedved: Benfica one of the favourites to win the Europa League

Juventus legend Pavel Nedved has insisted that Europa League semi-final opponents Benfica will provide the Bianconeri with a difficult challenge when the two sides meet, stating that the Portuguese side have shown they are one of the favourites for the competition.

Despite Benfica losing last season’s final against Chelsea, the Czech, who now sits on the Bianconeri board, insists that the Serie A club have their own incentive to reach the final which is being held at the Juventus Stadium in May.

“It will be tough, Benfica has already proven to be one of the favorites,” Nedved told Tuttomercatoweb.

“Last season they lost the final and we have the reasons to reach a final in Turin, but it will be tough against Benfica.”

During a trophy laden career the former midfielder never won the competition, but was runner-up with Lazio in 1998 when it was still the UEFA Cup.

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