Chaves — Benfica : Match Preview and Prediction for October 17,2025

Chaves’ Acknowledged Weakness

Chaves’ coach, Filipe Martins, essentially admitted his team’s significant disadvantage during the pre-match press conference. His remarks, emphasizing the need to “play on the verge of perfection” and “hope Benfica isn’t in their best form” to achieve success, serve as a direct acknowledgment of the vast class disparity between the two sides. He is already setting expectations for his team to spend the majority of the match deeply entrenched in their own half, focusing primarily on defense.

Lack of Offensive Threat

Such a tactical approach leaves Chaves with virtually no opportunity for coherent attacking play. When a Second League team attempts to withstand the relentless pressure of a football giant for 90 minutes, they simply deplete their energy and resources for any meaningful counter-attacks. This narrative is further reinforced by the damning head-to-head statistics: Chaves has failed to score in four of their last five encounters against Benfica.

Systemic Goal Drought

Moreover, the trend of losing without scoring is a systemic issue. In six of their last eight direct confrontations, Chaves suffered defeats without managing to find the back of the net even once. This clearly indicates that Chaves’ offense simply lacks the necessary tools and firepower to break down the elite defense of the Lisbon club.

Mourinho’s Uncompromising Stance

Any discussions about a potential complacency from the “Eagles” are quickly dismissed by José Mourinho’s clear statements. He has unequivocally declared: “I will change very little in the squad.” This signals that the team will field an almost full-strength, first-choice lineup. For Mourinho, cup matches are not arenas for experimentation but rather crucial steps toward securing another trophy.

Defensive Solidity: Benfica’s Foundation

The cornerstone of the current Benfica team is its impeccable defensive organization. Mourinho proudly emphasizes, “So far, we have not been overwhelmed in any game. Neither Chelsea nor Porto were able to dominate us.” In their last match before the international break, Benfica skillfully “neutralized” Porto’s formidable attack away from home, securing a 0-0 draw and allowing their opponents to create chances worth only 0.65 xG.

Overwhelming Defensive Advantage

This statistic speaks volumes more than any descriptive adjectives. If one of the league leaders, playing at home, struggles to create anything against Benfica’s defense, what can be expected from a team from a lower division? Defensive solidity is the “Eagles'” primary strength, and it is poised to be the decisive factor in this encounter. Even the announced start for Samuel Soares in goal should not mislead – Mourinho has publicly expressed his full confidence in him, calling him an “excellent goalkeeper” who has earned his opportunity.