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⚽ Match Preview with Interesting Fact

Benfica return to the Estádio da Luz for the decisive second leg of their UEFA Champions League Third Qualifying Round tie against OGC Nice with one foot already in the play-off round. The Portuguese champions delivered a professional and clinical performance in France, emerging 2–0 winners thanks to goals from Rafa Silva and Di María.

Interesting Fact: Benfica have not lost a European qualifying tie after winning the first leg away from home since 1994 — a record spanning more than three decades.

The home crowd will be in full voice, while Nice face the daunting task of overturning a two-goal deficit against one of Europe’s most experienced sides in continental competition.

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🧠 Team Analysis

🔴 Benfica

Recent Form & European Journey:

• Opened the Liga Portugal 2025/26 season with a 3–1 win over Casa Pia on 9 August, rotating some key players to keep them fresh for this clash.
• 2–0 first-leg win in France — dominant in midfield, clinical in attack, and disciplined defensively.
• Have conceded just twice in their last six matches in all competitions.

Key Players:

• Rafa Silva – Scored in the first leg; electric pace and movement behind the lines.
• Ángel Di María – Veteran playmaker and first-leg goalscorer, brings composure in key moments.
• Orkun Kökçü – Midfield engine controlling tempo and linking defence to attack.
• António Silva – Young centre-back with maturity beyond his years; strong in aerial duels.

Injuries & Absentees:

• No major injuries reported; Roger Schmidt has full squad availability.

Tactical Overview:
Expect Benfica to line up in their familiar 4-2-3-1, pressing high early to kill any Nice momentum. With a 2–0 cushion, they can afford to be patient, relying on counter-attacks if Nice overcommit. Schmidt may look to control possession and slow the game down in the second half if Benfica extend their aggregate lead.

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⚫ Nice

Recent Form & European Journey:

• Suffered a 0–2 home defeat in the first leg, struggling to create clear chances despite having more possession in phases.
• Opened their Ligue 1 season on 10 August with a 1–1 draw against Strasbourg, fielding a side missing several regular starters due to rotation.
• Last European group stage appearance was in the 2022/23 UEFA Conference League — significantly less recent continental experience than Benfica.

Key Players:

• Dante – Experienced Brazilian captain, though his pace can be exposed by quick forwards.
• Terem Moffi – Physical striker capable of unsettling defences, but isolated in the first leg.
• Sofiane Diop – Creative midfielder who must dictate play if Nice are to have any chance.
• Marcin Bułka – Goalkeeper who will need a big performance to keep Nice alive in the tie.

Injuries & Absentees:

• Gaëtan Laborde – Doubtful with a thigh injury.
• Hicham Boudaoui – Out with a groin strain.

Tactical Overview:
Francesco Farioli is expected to push his full-backs high and adopt an aggressive 4-3-3, aiming for an early goal to ignite belief. However, committing numbers forward risks leaving them vulnerable to Benfica’s pace on the counter.

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🔁 Head-to-Head & Past Encounters

Key Stats:

• Benfica had 57% possession in the first leg.
• Shots on target: Benfica 5 – Nice 2.
• Benfica have scored in 12 of their last 13 home European matches.

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🎯 Prediction with Goal.mu / Mauri.bet

Predicted Score: Benfica 2–1 Nice (Benfica win 4–1 on aggregate)

Benfica’s home record, tactical discipline, and two-goal cushion make them clear favourites. Nice may score if they take risks, but Benfica’s quality should prevail comfortably.

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💸 Betting Tips

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🧱 Bet Builder (3-Leg Combo)

• Benfica to Win (1.70)
• Over 2.5 Goals (1.95)
• Rafa Silva Anytime Scorer (3.20)
  Combined Odds: ~10.60
  Confidence: ⭐⭐⭐ (Moderate)
  Reason: Aligns with expected game flow — Benfica control, open spaces for goals, and Rafa’s threat in transition.

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📋 Possible Lineups

Benfica (4-2-3-1): Trubin; Bah, António Silva, Otamendi, Jurásek; Kökçü, Florentino; Di María, João Mário, Rafa Silva; Tengstedt

Nice (4-3-3): Bułka; Lotomba, Todibo, Dante, Bard; Thuram, Rosario, Diop; Boga, Moffi, Guessand

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⏳ Half-Time Result Prediction

Prediction: Benfica 1–0 Nice at Half-Time
Benfica to settle quickly and possibly strike early to remove any doubt about progression.

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🗓 Match Details

📅 Match Date: Tuesday, August 12, 2025
🏟 Venue: Estádio da Luz, Lisbon, Portugal
⏰ Kickoff Time: 8:00 PM Local Time / 8:00 PM UK Time

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