Alverca — Benfica : Match Preview and Prediction for August 31,2025

Alverca’s Rough Start

Alverca, a newcomer to the Primeira Liga, has had a decidedly poor start to the season. The team is still searching for its first victory, managing only a single point from a 2-2 draw with Estrela Amadora, alongside two defeats. Their attacking frailties were glaringly obvious in the losses against Moreirense (1-2) and Braga (0-3).

Offensive Struggles

Against Moreirense, Alverca’s sole goal came from a penalty, with the team failing to create any significant chances from open play. In their match against Braga, they left the pitch without scoring, managing only three shots on target throughout the game. While they secured a 2-2 draw against Estrela in the most recent fixture, the statistics paint a grim picture: just 6 shots in 90 minutes, with only 2 on target.

Key Absences

Significant squad issues further compound their difficulties. Alverca will be without their main central defender and captain, Naves, who received a red card. Furthermore, starting goalkeeper Andre Gomes is ineligible to play against Benfica due to the terms of his loan agreement. The absence of these two crucial defensive players will likely force Alverca to adopt an even more conservative approach, further diminishing their already limited attacking threat.

Benfica’s Impregnable Defense

The Lisbon “Eagles” have enjoyed a phenomenal start to the season, particularly concerning their defensive solidity. Across seven official matches this season, Benfica has not conceded a single goal. Not one!

Unblemished Record

This remarkable run includes a Super Cup victory, successful qualification for the Champions League after overcoming Turkish side Fenerbahçe (1-0 on aggregate), and two wins in the league. In the Primeira Liga, the “Eagles” first defeated Estrela Amadora (1-0) before comfortably dispatching Tondela (3-0), keeping clean sheets in both encounters. The defensive line, marshaled by the evergreen Otamendi and promising young talent António Silva, alongside Anatoliy Trubin in goal, has been exceptionally resolute.