Benfica take on the visitors Fenerbahce in the second leg of UEFA Champions League Qualification final round. First leg result: 0-0. The match will be played on Wednesday, August 27th at Estádio da Luz (Lisbon).
Benfica is determined to have a successful season. The Eagles remain one of the perennial favorites in Portuguese football. But in the last two campaigns, despite finishing ahead of Porto, they still found themselves trailing their city rivals Sporting. Yes, they did manage to lift the League Cup last winter, thanks to Trubin’s heroics in a decisive penalty shootout. And after a short summer break (remember, they pushed Chelsea into extra time at the Club World Cup playoffs before bowing out to the eventual winners), Benfica claimed the Super Cup by edging out Sporting. Even more importantly, they opened the European campaign with an impressive win. Despite being drawn against a highly ambitious side like Nice, Benfica prevailed 2-0 both home and away. The team looks well-organized defensively and efficient in attack, which suggests they are peaking at the right moment. Confidence within the squad is clearly growing, and recent consistency hints at a serious European run.
| 2 x £10 Free Bet | Review | |||
| 100$-500$ for No Lose Free Bets | Review | |||
| 100% up to £200 | Review | |||
| Not available | Review |
Fenerbahçe entered 2024 as the biggest favorites in Turkish football — expectations soared when Mourinho arrived in Istanbul, with fans convinced he would finally deliver silverware after a decade of frustration. Yet, the season turned into disappointment: domestically they lost more ground to Galatasaray, and in Europe, Mourinho’s first setback in Turkey came with an early Champions League exit. This campaign has not started much better. They stumbled in the Süper Lig opener and looked shaky in Europe, falling 1-2 to Feyenoord in Rotterdam before a disastrous 2-5 defeat in the return match at Şükrü Saracoğlu. Even when hosting Olympiacos, they could only manage a goalless draw, failing to inspire confidence. Mourinho’s men are struggling with defensive stability, and the lack of goals from key forwards has only deepened the concern. Pressure is already mounting, as fans expect much more from such a star-studded squad.
Out of six previous European meetings, Benfica claimed three wins, with Fenerbahçe taking two. Just last month, the Portuguese side came out on top again in a friendly, winning 3-2. The Portuguese side looks far more stable and efficient at this stage of the season. After avoiding defeat away from home, Benfica should be able to finish the job at Estádio da Luz. A home win for the Eagles looks the most likely outcome, with the margin potentially decisive.
Prediction for the match: Benfica to win.
