As the 2024-25 Champions League begins, Red Star Belgrade welcomes Portuguese giants Benfica to the Rajko Mitić Stadium on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at 5:45 pm UK time. This match marks the first meeting between the two sides in 40 years, with their last encounter being a thrilling European Cup tie in 1984, where Benfica triumphed 4-3 on aggregate.
Both teams are eager to start their European campaigns on a high. Red Star, back in the Champions League after missing last season, reached this stage by defeating Bodo/Glimt in the playoff round. Meanwhile, Benfica are competing in their fourth consecutive Champions League campaign but are looking to avoid the early exit that haunted them last season. With both sides hungry for continental success, this promises to be a fiercely contested match in front of a passionate Serbian crowd.
Team Analysis:
Red Star Belgrade:
Red Star Belgrade has re-established itself as the dominant force in Serbian football, having won seven consecutive Serbian SuperLiga titles. They are already off to a strong start this season, sitting three points clear at the top after winning six of their first seven league matches. Vladan Milojevic’s side comes into this fixture full of confidence, particularly after their impressive 3-2 aggregate win over Bodo/Glimt in the playoff round to secure their place in the group stage. Goals from Bruno Duarte and Uros Spajic in the second leg sent the Serbian champions through in dramatic fashion.
Red Star’s domestic dominance is well-established, but their performances in the Champions League have been less impressive. They have lost 14 of their last 18 matches in the competition, a worrying statistic for Milojevic as they aim to improve on the continental stage. However, Red Star can take some solace in their home form against Portuguese sides, having never lost against teams from Portugal on home soil (W2 D1). The raucous atmosphere at the Rajko Mitić Stadium could play a pivotal role in boosting the team’s chances.
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Red Star’s key man will be Bruno Duarte, the club’s top scorer this season with six goals in nine appearances. Supported by wide men Silas and Peter Olayinka, Duarte will be tasked with leading the line and breaking down a Benfica defense that has looked shaky at times. In midfield, the likes of Rade Krunic, Timi Elsnik, and Mirko Ivanic will need to take control of the game and provide service to the attacking trio. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Omri Glazer, who has recently returned from a long-term injury, will be crucial in keeping the Eagles’ attack at bay.
Benfica:
Benfica enters this fixture with the weight of history on their shoulders. Despite being one of Europe’s most storied clubs, their recent Champions League record leaves much to be desired. Last season, they crashed out at the group stage, and new manager Bruno Lage, who recently replaced Roger Schmidt, will be tasked with bringing Benfica back to the upper echelons of European football. Lage’s return to the club has already yielded positive results, with a convincing 4-1 win over Santa Clara in the Primeira Liga last weekend. However, the Portuguese side finds themselves five points adrift of arch-rivals Sporting after five league matches, making their Champions League campaign even more critical.
Benfica’s squad is not without its injury troubles, with key players like Renato Sanches, Fredrik Aursnes, and Tiago Gouveia all sidelined. Despite these absences, Benfica still boasts a wealth of talent, particularly in attack, where Angel Di Maria remains the talisman. The Argentine veteran continues to deliver in crucial moments, and alongside Kerem Akturkoglu and Robert Rollheiser, Benfica’s attack is capable of causing serious problems for Red Star.
Defensively, Benfica will rely on experienced heads such as Nicolas Otamendi and Antonio Silva to marshal the backline. The return of left-back Jan-Niklas Beste provides further solidity, and Florentino Luis in midfield will be key in breaking up Red Star’s attacks. With the creativity of Orkun Kokcu pulling the strings, Benfica will look to control possession and dictate the tempo of the game.
Head-to-Head:
This match marks only the second time these two teams have met in European competition, with Benfica coming out on top in their 1984 European Cup encounter, winning 4-3 on aggregate. Given that 40 years have passed since their last meeting, this fixture carries an air of historic significance for both sides.
Prediction and Betting Tips:
Prediction: Given the contrasting fortunes of the two teams in recent Champions League campaigns, Benfica enters this match as slight favourites. While Red Star’s strong home record against Portuguese teams and their impressive start to the domestic season should not be underestimated, Benfica’s superior European pedigree and quality in attack may prove decisive.
Goal.mu/Mauri.bet predicts: Red Star Belgrade 1-2 Benfica.
Justification:
Red Star’s excellent home form in Serbia will make this a challenging encounter for Benfica. However, the Portuguese side’s firepower, particularly with Angel Di Maria pulling the strings, should see them come away with a narrow victory. The Serbian champions may find the step up in quality too much to handle, especially given their poor overall Champions League record.
Betting Markets:
- Both Teams to Score: Yes
- Red Star’s attacking prowess, particularly at home, coupled with Benfica’s strong offensive lineup, suggests that both teams are likely to find the net.
- Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over 2.5
- Given the attacking talent on display from both sides, this match could easily see three or more goals, making the Over 2.5 market an attractive bet.
- Hot Stat:
- Bruno Duarte to score anytime. Red Star’s leading scorer has been in fine form this season and will be Red Star’s main threat going forward.
- Corners Total: Over 9.5 corners
- Both teams play attacking football, which often results in a high number of corners. Expect this match to feature plenty of set-piece opportunities.
Team News:
Red Star Belgrade:
- Omri Glazer is expected to start in goal after recovering from a long-term injury.
- Nasser Djiga could be recalled to partner Uros Spajic at centre-back.
- Bruno Duarte will lead the line in attack, with Silas and Peter Olayinka providing support from the wings.
- Red Star will likely field their strongest XI as they aim to make a positive start to their group-stage campaign.
Benfica:
- Injuries to Renato Sanches, Fredrik Aursnes, and Tiago Gouveia will keep them out of the squad.
- Jan-Niklas Beste has recovered from a muscle problem and could feature in some capacity.
- Angel Di Maria, Kerem Akturkoglu, and Robert Rollheiser are expected to provide attacking support for Vangelis Pavlidis, who will lead the line.
Probable Lineups:
Red Star Belgrade Starting XI:
Glazer; Mimovic, Djiga, Spajic, Seol; Krunic, Elsnik; Silas, Ivanic, Olayinka; Duarte
Benfica Starting XI:
Trubin; Bah, Silva, Otamendi, Carreras; Florentino, Kokcu; Di Maria, Rollheiser, Akturkoglu; Pavlidis
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