UEFA Champions League Betting Preview: Benfica vs Feyenoord
Benfica and Feyenoord will look to extend their impressive form as they face off in a highly anticipated Champions League match at the Estadio da Luz on Wednesday.
Both teams have only suffered one defeat this season and are in solid shape in the 36-team Champions League standings. However, they find themselves trailing the dominant forces in their respective domestic leagues.
Meanwhile, Benfica claimed a 5-0 victory over Feyenoord in a pre-season friendly this summer.
Benfica Eyeing a Historic Start Under Bruno Lage
Bruno Lage’s tenure at Benfica couldn’t have begun more positively, with a standout 4-0 victory over Atletico Madrid on matchday two marking a high point so far. The Eagles also secured a win against Red Star Belgrade in their Champions League opener, positioning them as one of just seven clubs to maintain a perfect record after two group stage matches.
A victory on Wednesday could mark Benfica’s best-ever start in a Champions League campaign, as they aim to win their opening three matches for the first time in 35 years. The last time they began this strongly, in the 1989-90 season, they reached the final.
Since Roger Schmidt’s departure, Benfica have thrived under Bruno Lage, securing six consecutive wins and scoring 20 goals. Despite this impressive run, they still find themselves behind rivals Sporting Lisbon in the Primeira Liga, as Sporting have yet to drop a point.
Off-field controversies, including allegations of match-fixing, haven’t derailed Benfica’s momentum. Over the weekend, they comfortably defeated fourth-tier Pevidem 2-0 in the Portuguese Cup, with Lage resting key players in preparation for the important Champions League clash against Feyenoord.
Argentine veteran Angel Di Maria retired from international football following his nation’s Copa America triumph, but Benfica still have tons of talent with players like Kerem Akturkoglu and Vangelis Pavlidis both starring for their countries during the last round of international games.
Vangelis Pavlidis should keep his starting spot on top of Benfica’s attacking formation, with the Greece forward rejoining the squad after a sensational performance to materialize his nation’s 2-1 win over England during the international break.
With 29 goals in 34 appearances in the Dutch Eredivisie last season, Pavlidis joined the Portuguese giants as a reinforcement of their attacking line following Rafa Silva’s departure. Pavlidis bagged a brace in Benfica’s friendly win against Feyenoord – more than he had scored (1) in 10 top-flight matches against the Rotterdam outfit over the past six seasons, when he played for both Willem II and AZ Alkmaar.
Akturkoglu, the Turkish attacking midfielder, has been in remarkable form since he arrived in Portugal. He already boasts four goals and two assists in five appearances for his new club.
Feyenoord Seeking Back-to-Back Champions League Away Wins
Brian Priske’s side are also coming into this match with growing confidence. Despite a heavy 5-0 pre-season defeat to Benfica in July, the Dutch side will aim to rewrite their fortunes in Lisbon.
The 47-year-old Danish coach previously managed Czech Republic champions Sparta Prague before succeeding Arne Slot at De Kuip this summer, after Slot’s move to Liverpool.
After a disappointing 4-0 home loss to Bayer Leverkusen on matchday one – their only defeat this season, Feyenoord bounced back in dramatic fashion with a thrilling 3-2 away win over Girona. Two Girona own goals helped them secure their first Champions League points of the season, boosting their confidence ahead of the trip to Portugal.
Feyenoord’s form has steadily improved, winning their last three games in all competitions. Their recent 5-1 demolition of Go Ahead Eagles away from home marked a statement win, especially considering the Eagles’ European credentials from last season.
A victory on Wednesday would see Feyenoord secure back-to-back away wins in the Champions League for the first time since 1971.
Latest Team News – Injuries and Suspensions
The Benfica boss rested key players like Nicolas Otamendi, Kerem Akturkoglu and Angel Di Maria in the latest cup win over Pevidem, ensuring they are fresh for the midweek showdown.
Elsewhere, Jan-Niklas Beste, who impressed with a brace in his first start for Benfica, could be in contention to feature again, although injuries to Renato Sanches and Tiago Gouveia remain concerns for the Portuguese side.
Feyenoord, on the other hand, fielded a full-strength lineup in their comfortable 5-1 victory at Go Ahead Eagles. Thomas Beelen could replace Gernot Trauner in defense, but the Dutch side will still miss Mexican goalscorer Santiago Gimenez, along with Quilindschy Hartman, Bart Nieuwkoop, and Calvin Stengs, who are all doubtful.
Possible Starting Lineups of Benfica and Feyenoord
- Benfica: Anatoliy Trubin – Alexander Bah, Tomas Araujo, Nicolas Otamendi, Alvaro Carreras – Fredrik Aursnes, Florentino Luís, Orkun Kokcu – Angel Di Maria, Vangelis Pavlidis, Kerem Akturkoglu. (4-3-3)
- Feyenoord: Timon Wellenreuther – Jordan Lotomba, Thomas Beelen, David Hancko, Hugo Bueno – Antoni Milambo, Hwang In-beom, Quinten Timber – Igor Paixao, Ayase Ueda, Ibrahim Osman. (4-3-3)
Spooky Express Betting Prediction
Benfica (-222 at EveryGame) favored, but Feyenoord (+550 at EveryGame) on the rise.
Despite Feyenoord’s improvement, Benfica’s superior form and recent statement win against Atletico Madrid suggest they are the stronger side on paper. Another victory for Benfica would not only cement their dominance, but also put them on the verge of qualifying for the knockout stages, a major boost for a club that has often fallen short at this level.