The second leg of the 2025/26 Champions League qualification playoff between Benfica (Portugal) and Fenerbahce (Turkey) will take place on August 27 at the Estádio da Luz. The first match ended in a 0-0 draw. Benfica vs. Fenerbahce: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Benfica
In the first match, the team managed a draw away (0-0). As a result, Benfica has avoided defeat for the sixth time in their last eight Champions League matches (4 wins, 2 draws). Additionally, they have kept a clean sheet in five of these games. To advance to the group stage of this European competition, the Portuguese side needs a win. Notably, Benfica has participated in the Champions League group stage for the last four seasons.
- The team has not won in regular time in 5 of their last 6 home matches in the Champions League (2 draws, 3 losses).
- The club has conceded in 11 of their last 14 home games in this tournament within 90 minutes.
- The Portuguese side has not scored more than one goal in the second half in 9 of their last 11 home matches in the Champions League.
Predicted lineup for Benfica (4-3-3)
Anatoliy Trubin – Antonio Silva, Samuel Dali, Nicolas Otamendi, Amar Dedic – Richard Rios, Enzo Barrenechea, Florentino – Fredrik Aursnes, Evangelos Pavlidis, Kerem Akturkoglu.
Forward Bruma will miss the game due to injury. Midfielder Florentino is suspended.
Fenerbahce
After drawing the first leg, the team has avoided defeat in 8 of their last 10 Champions League matches (4 wins, 4 draws). Moreover, Fenerbahce kept a clean sheet for only the second time in their last eight games in this competition. To advance to the group stage, the Turkish side needs a win in regular time; otherwise, extra time will be required in case of a draw. Notably, the club has not participated in the Champions League group stage since the 2008/09 season.
- The team has not won in regular time in 7 of their last 8 away matches in the Champions League (1 draw, 6 losses).
- The club has conceded at least two goals in 6 of their last 8 away games in this tournament within 90 minutes.
- The Turkish side has not scored in the first half in 7 of their last 8 away matches in the Champions League.
Predicted lineup for Fenerbahce (3-5-2)
Irfan Can Egribayat – Mert Müldür, Milan Skriniar, Jayden Oosterwolde – Archie Brown, Fred, Sofyan Amrabat, Sebastian Szymanski, Nelson Semedo – Jhon Duran, Youssef En-Nesyri.
Referee
Slavko Vincic (Slovenia)
Matches – 15 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 58;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.9;
Red cards shown – 0;
Average fouls per match – 25;
Penalties – 13%.
Match Prediction: Benfica vs. Fenerbahce
Recently, the Portuguese side has not impressed at home, winning very rarely. In their last 11 home matches in the Champions League, Benfica has secured only two wins (3 draws, 6 losses), even losing to opponents like Real Sociedad, Salzburg, and Feyenoord. Moreover, they have conceded nine goals in their last four home games in this competition.
While Fenerbahce may not often achieve their goals away from home, they fight for a positive result until the end. In their last five away matches in the Champions League, the team has lost three times, but none of these defeats were by more than a one-goal margin. This includes their encounter with Benfica in 2018, where they lost only 0-1.
The Turkish side demonstrated in the first leg that they can compete on equal terms with the Portuguese, so I expect Jose Mourinho's men to put up a strong fight away from home as well. My prediction: Fenerbahce with a handicap (+1.5)
