After a confident 2-0 away victory in the first leg, Benfica return to Lisbon knowing they hold all the cards against Nice in this UEFA Champions League qualification clash. The Portuguese giants are aiming to reach the play-off round and keep their streak of appearing in the main UCL draw alive – something they have managed every season since 2020/21.
With a clean sheet in both competitive matches this season, Benfica are showing early signs of defensive solidity. And with their domestic opener postponed to focus on this fixture, Roger Schmidt’s men will be fully charged to deliver another dominant performance.
For Nice, the task is monumental. Manager Franck Haise himself admitted after the first leg that his side is “not in the same category” as Benfica – a rare public statement that underlines the gulf between the two teams. With a poor away record in Europe and several injury concerns, the Eaglets will need a miracle to overturn the deficit.
Form and Head-to-Head
- First Leg: Nice 0–2 Benfica (first-ever competitive meeting)
- Benfica are unbeaten in their last six UCL games vs Ligue 1 sides (W3, D3).
- Nice have never beaten Portuguese opposition in a competitive match.
- Benfica have scored in 22 consecutive matches in all competitions.
- Six of Nice’s last seven away matches have produced over 2.5 goals.
Team News
Benfica:
- No fresh injury concerns.
- Franjo Ivanović scored on debut and has now opened the scoring in three consecutive matches.
Nice:
- Likely missing Morgan Sanson and Dante (injured in the first leg).
- Moïse Bombito, Mohamed Ali-Cho, and Tanguy Ndombele are doubtful.
- Wing-back Jonathan Clauss remains their main creative outlet.
Key Players to Watch
- Franjo Ivanović (Benfica): In red-hot form, lethal in front of goal, and a constant threat to break the deadlock.
- Jonathan Clauss (Nice): Offers attacking width and a late goal threat, but faces a tough challenge against Benfica’s solid defense.
Prediction and Betting Tips
The gap in quality, form, and mentality is too wide to ignore. Benfica’s defensive record and attacking firepower should see them through comfortably, especially in front of a passionate home crowd at Estádio da Luz.
Prediction:
- Full-Time Score: Benfica 3–0 Nice
- Best Bet: Benfica -1.5 Asian Handicap
- Alternative Bet: Over 2.5 Goals
- Anytime Scorer: Franjo Ivanović
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Final Word
Benfica should cruise into the play-off round. Expect goals, expect dominance, and expect the Portuguese giants to extend their unbeaten record against Ligue 1 opposition.
