Benfica — Fenerbahce : Match Preview and Prediction for August 27,2025

Benfica’s Tactical Prowess in Istanbul

Benfica executed a highly disciplined tactical display in Istanbul against Fenerbahce, securing a commendable 0-0 draw in the first leg of their Champions League qualifying tie. Despite playing the final 20 minutes with ten men due to a red card, the absence of Florentino went largely unnoticed, as the Turkish side managed to create only 0.4 xG throughout the match.

Home Form and Squad Depth

At home, under Bruno Lage, the Eagles have maintained an impeccable record this season, remaining unbeaten and unbreached. They delivered a comfortable 2-0 victory over Nice in the previous Champions League qualifying round and recently dominated Tondela with a 3-0 win in the league. Lage intelligently rotated his squad for the league match, ensuring key players like Ivanovic and his teammates secured the outcome by halftime, thereby conserving energy for the crucial return leg against Fenerbahce. The squad’s depth has been significantly enhanced during the offseason, with new additions like Dahl, Ivanovic, Rios, Dedic, and Obrador, complementing the sale of Carreras to Madrid. This robust roster means the Lisbon outfit should comfortably manage their demanding fixture schedule without succumbing to fatigue. For the upcoming clash against Fenerbahce, Benfica will be without Bruma, Ba, the suspended Florentin, and Manu.

Fenerbahce’s Qualification Journey and First Leg

Fenerbahce embarked on their qualification journey by engaging in a high-scoring encounter with Feyenoord. After narrowly losing 1-2 in the Netherlands in the dying minutes, José Mourinho’s side delivered a commanding 5-2 victory at home. However, they couldn’t draw Benfica into a similar open, high-paced game in their initial home leg.

Recent Form and Squad Updates

Recently, the club bolstered its midfield with the signings of Nene and Alvarez from West Ham, though neither player is registered for the fixtures against the Portuguese giants. Following their clash with Benfica, the Yellow Canaries secured their inaugural league victory, overcoming Kocaelispor 3-1 at home. They sealed the win in the second half but conceded another goal in the process. This season, the Turkish side has conceded in three out of five matches, a trend that could worsen in Lisbon. For the away fixture, Fenerbahce will miss Becao, Tosun, and Yandash due to injuries, along with the newly signed players who are ineligible, and previously unregistered players Fall, Mora, Mimovic, and Diego Carlos.