We head back to Lisbon for our first UEFA Women’s Champions League away game of the season against Benfica on Thursday.

It’s an 8pm kick-off at Estadio da Luz, which is just three kilometres away from Jose Alvalade Stadium, the scene of our final success last season.

After an opening day defeat at home to Lyon, we’ll be looking to put our first points on the board in Portugal.

BACK ON TOP

The Portuguese champions have had a strong start to the First Division this season, winning three and drawing one of their first four matches to top the table, ahead of Sporting Lisbon on goal difference.

After beginning the campaign with a 0-0 draw at home to Racing Almada, they secured a 5-1 win away to Vitoria SC before putting eight past Damaiense without reply. Last weekend, Benfica cruised to a 4-1 win away to Valadares, a positive response to their opening Champions League fixture, which was a 2-1 defeat at Juventus.

RENée's preview

Slegers: “I've played against them a couple of years ago. They're a very aggressive and intense team to play against. They have a psychological presence, if I can say...