Fenerbahce meet Benfica in Istanbul for the primary leg of their UEFA Champions League play-off on August 20, 2025. This big recreation sees Jose Mourinho’s aspect battle for a spot within the group stage towards a powerful Benfica workforce.
Benfica have been scoring a number of objectives of their current video games. Fenerbahce, with their loud residence followers, hope to maintain their robust document in European matches at residence.
Staff Information
Fenerbahce will miss Rodrigo Becao, out with a knee harm, and Cengiz Below, not allowed to play in qualifiers. New gamers Milan Skriniar and Archie Brown ought to begin, including power to the backline.
Benfica are with out Bruma, banned for a purple card towards Good, whereas Alexander Bah and Manu Silva are damage. Franjo Ivanovic and Richard Rios would possibly play their first video games in assault and midfield.
Mert Muldur can be uncertain for Fenerbahce after selecting up a minor ankle concern in coaching. If he’s unfit, Mert Hakan Yandas might step in at right-back to cowl.
Benfica’s protection will depend on Nicolas Otamendi to steer, as he’s their most skilled participant. Teenager Antonio Silva would possibly pair with him, however he wants to remain centered towards Fenerbahce’s fast forwards.
Latest Kind
Fenerbahce fought again to beat Feyenoord 5-2 of their final qualifier, profitable 6-4 general, with Archie Brown scoring and organising two objectives. They began their league with a 0-0 draw towards Goztepe.
Benfica crushed Good 4-0 over two legs, with Franjo Ivanovic and Florentino scoring within the first recreation. Additionally they gained the Portuguese Tremendous Cup 1-0 towards Sporting, because of Vangelis Pavlidis’ objective.
Jose Mourinho’s workforce confirmed nice spirit of their Feyenoord win, with Jhon Duran and Youssef En-Nesyri discovering the online. Their assault appears sharp, however they struggled to create possibilities towards Goztepe.
Benfica’s excellent begin consists of 4 wins with out letting in a objective. Their quick, attacking type, led by Andreas Schjelderup and Pavlidis, has been robust for opponents to cease.
Key Battles
Jhon Duran, Fenerbahce’s robust striker who scores with energy, will face Benfica’s Nicolas Otamendi, a troublesome and sensible defender. Duran’s power would possibly give him an opportunity to interrupt by Otamendi’s strong defending.
Fenerbahce’s midfielder, Fred who by no means stops working, will tackle Benfica’s Richard Rios, a intelligent passer. Fred’s vitality might block Rios’ makes an attempt to arrange Benfica’s assaults.
Then Fenerbahce’s foward Youssef En-Nesyri, will probably be a problem to Benfica’s Samuel Dahl, a speedy left-back. En-Nesyri’s sensible runs might pull Dahl out of place if he’s not cautious.
Sebastian Szymanski, Fenerbahce’s artistic midfielder with nice imaginative and prescient, will check Benfica’s Florentino, a powerful tackler. Szymanski’s intelligent passes might open up house, however Florentino’s tight marking would possibly cease him.
Andreas Schjelderup, Benfica’s tough winger with quick dribbling, will go up towards Fenerbahce’s Mert Muldur, a gentle right-back. Schjelderup’s talent might trigger issues if Muldur loses focus.
Doable Lineups
Fenerbahce (3-4-1-2): Egribayat; Oosterwolde, Skriniar, Muldur; Semedo, Fred, Amrabat, Brown; Szymanski; Duran, En-Nesyri
Benfica (4-4-2): Trubin; Dedic, Silva, Otamendi, Dahl; Aursnes, Rios, Barrenechea, Schjelderup; Pavlidis, Ivanovic
Softfootball Prediction
Fenerbahce’s robust assault, led by Duran and En-Nesyri, works properly at residence, however their protection typically lets them down. Benfica’s fast forwards, like Pavlidis, can punish any errors.
Mourinho’s workforce will push exhausting for a win, however Benfica’s expertise in massive European video games would possibly preserve issues shut. Either side are more likely to rating on this tight match.
Fenerbahce play Adana Demirspor subsequent, whereas Benfica face Estrela. The second leg in Lisbon will resolve who strikes on.
Prediction: Fenerbahce 1-1 Benfica
