Benfica will take on AGF Aarhus in the first leg of the Europa League playoff on August 21 at 02:00. The match promises to be an exciting encounter as Benfica showcases its strong form, having recently defeated Casa Pia 7-0 in their domestic league.

Benfica has been impressive in their European campaign this season, having easily progressed past St. Gallen and Hearts. Their attacking prowess is evident, with a remarkable performance against Hearts where they won 6-1 in the first leg. This indicates that Benfica is in formidable shape as they prepare to host AGF Aarhus at their home ground, Estadio da Luz.

On the other hand, AGF Aarhus, the Danish champions, are facing challenges. After being eliminated from the Champions League by Sabah with an aggregate score of 5-2, their recent form has been shaky, with no wins in their first three Superliga matches this season. This puts them at a disadvantage as they approach the match against a significantly stronger opponent.

AGF Aarhus has a history of struggling against Benfica, having won only one of their last four encounters, with three losses. Their recent performances do not inspire confidence, especially after their heavy defeat against Sabah and a subsequent loss to Viborg.

Benfica's coach Marco Silva is looking to build momentum after a rocky start to the season, and this match against AGF presents an opportunity to solidify their confidence. The team aims not just for victory but to establish a significant lead before the return leg in Denmark.

Both teams will be keen to make a statement in this playoff, but with Benfica's current form and home advantage, they are expected to dominate the match. The outcome could be crucial for AGF, as a win could pave their way into the Europa League group stage.

In terms of squad news, Benfica has no new injury concerns, while AGF will miss key players due to injuries, which could further tilt the balance in Benfica's favor. As the match approaches, fans are eager to see if Benfica can continue their impressive run and if AGF can rise to the occasion.