Football fans in Tanzania and across the globe are gearing up for a blockbuster FIFA Club World Cup (CWC) Round of 16 clash as Portuguese giants Benfica lock horns with England’s Chelsea. Both teams enter the knockout phase brimming with confidence, but history, recent form, and tactical nuances suggest a tense, low-scoring affair awaits.
Below, we break down the latest team news, form, hot stats, key players, and our betting prediction for this much-anticipated showdown.
Match Preview – Benfica vs Chelsea
Benfica – Eagles Soaring High Again
Benfica arrive in the Round of 16 buzzing after a statement 1-0 win over Bayern Munich, which saw them top Group C. That victory followed an emphatic 6-0 thrashing of Auckland City, suggesting coach Roger Schmidt’s side have rediscovered their groove after a rocky patch (D3, L1) earlier in the season.
Crucially for the Lisbon club, their defence has tightened significantly, led by brilliant goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin, who has saved the last six shots on target faced. Offensively, Benfica remain potent, having scored in first-half stoppage time in two of their three CWC games so far.
Chelsea – Blues Eye Redemption
Like Benfica, Chelsea have shown flashes of brilliance in the CWC, winning two of their three group games. However, their defeat to Flamengo relegated them to second in Group D, proving they can be vulnerable under pressure.
Coach Enzo Maresca has managed his squad well, making eight changes for the recent win over Espérance to keep his players fresh. One to watch will be young striker Liam Delap, who netted his first goal for Chelsea in that match and could be key in the absence of suspended forward Nicolas Jackson.
Chelsea fans in Tanzania will be eager to see if the Blues’ strong defensive record (five clean sheets in their last six wins) can hold up against Benfica’s sharp attack.
Head-to-Head – Chelsea’s Narrow Edge
Benfica fans might be haunted by history: they’ve lost all three previous meetings with Chelsea by a single goal margin, including the 2013 UEFA Europa League final. However, the Eagles will believe they can finally break that streak on neutral ground.
Hot Stats and Streaks
- Benfica have scored in first-half stoppage time in two of their last three CWC matches.
- There have been five penalties awarded across Benfica’s last five games.
- Five of Chelsea’s last six wins came with a clean sheet.
- Chelsea have opened the scoring before half-time in all three of their CWC games.
Key Players to Watch
✅ Anatoliy Trubin (Benfica) – The Ukrainian keeper has been a wall in goal, making crucial saves and providing a sense of calm at the back.
✅ Liam Delap (Chelsea) – Fresh off his first Chelsea goal, Delap will look to exploit Benfica’s backline and fill the void left by the suspended Nicolas Jackson.
Benfica vs Chelsea Prediction and Betting Tip
This has all the makings of a cagey encounter. Both sides boast strong defensive numbers and know how to shut out opponents when needed. With Chelsea missing key man Jackson and Benfica riding a defensive high defensively, goals could be scarce.
Prediction: Benfica 1-1 Chelsea (Chelsea win on penalties)
Best Bet: Under 2.5 Goals
Tanzanian punters looking for value should consider the under 2.5 goals market given the tight defences on display and the high stakes involved.
Bet with Bangbet Tanzania!
Ready to place your bets on Benfica vs Chelsea? Head over to Bangbet Tanzania for the best odds, instant deposits via M-Pesa and Tigo Pesa, and exciting football markets. Whether you’re backing Benfica, Chelsea, or hunting value on the under 2.5 goals, Bangbet has you covered. Sign up today and enjoy a generous welcome bonus—turn your football predictions into real winnings!
Stay tuned to Bangbet News for more expert predictions, match previews, and football news tailored for Tanzanian fans!
