Astana

Ânderson da Silva Luisao and Nicolas Gaitan are missing as Benfica target a win against Astana in the Champions League.

Diego Simeone Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone concedes Champions League progression will be tough after a goalless draw with Astana.

Atletico Madrid were held 0-0 by Astana and thereby missed the chance to put distance between themselves and the chasing pack in Group C.

Diego Simeone Atletico Madrid should have no qualms about Astana's synthetic surface, according to head coach Diego Simeone.

Stanimir Stoilov Stanimir Stoilov said Astana did everything they could in the 2-2 Champions League draw with Benfica.

Inter Milan Italian giants Inter visit Stjarnan in Iceland while Villarreal, Tottenham and Feyenoord also begin their UEFA Europa League play-off ties on the road.

Tromsø Tromso effectively sealed their place in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League with a 7-0 hammering of Tartu Santos.

Olympique Lyon Lyon will need to come from behind if they are to advance past Astra in the UEFA Europa League play-offs on Thursday.

Olympique Lyon Lyon and Real Sociedad were the big-name casualties in the UEFA Europa League play-offs on Thursday.

Inter Milan Three-time winners Inter have been pitted against Icelandic minnows Stjarnan in the play-off round of the UEFA Europa League.