Anticipated Analysis: Benfica vs Nice – Wagering Counsel, Squad Updates, Crucial Details
In a thrilling display of football, Portuguese powerhouse Benfica defeated French side Nice 2-0 at the Éstadio da Luz on Tuesday night, securing a 4-0 aggregate victory and a place in the Champions League group stage for the 2025/26 season.
The match, scheduled for August 12, 2025, saw Benfica take control early in the second half. Fredrik Aursnes turned in a cross for the opener in the 18th minute, and Andreas Schjelderup added a second goal near the end (88th minute).
Despite a promising start from Nice, with attempts by Melvin Bard and Terem Moffi, the French side failed to find the back of the net. The absence of key players like Dante and Morgan Sanson due to injury weakened their defensive and midfield stability, allowing Benfica to dominate the game.
Benfica's attacking efficiency was on full display, with key players like Aursnes and Schjelderup converting their chances. The home advantage and tactical discipline also played a significant role in Benfica controlling the tie after the first-leg 2-0 win.
Nice, coached by Franck Haise and finishing 4th in Ligue 1 the previous season, ultimately fell short and will now focus on the Europa League competition next, having failed to register a clean sheet away from home in the top flight since November 2023.
Benfica, seeded and coming off a strong campaign under manager Bruno Lage, proved dominant over two legs to move closer to their Champions League group stage qualification.
Key points of match analysis and prediction:
- Benfica's strong attacking efficiency, particularly from Aursnes and Schjelderup, was a key factor in their victory.
- Nice's injury absences significantly weakened their defensive and midfield stability.
- Benfica's home advantage and tactical discipline allowed them to control the tie after the first-leg 2-0 win.
- Nice showed hunger but lacked firepower and defensive resilience to mount a comeback.
- Benfica are favourites to progress to the Champions League group stage given their aggregate dominance and squad strength.
In terms of betting odds, Dachbet offers the best odds for a Benfica win at 2/3. However, Benfica will be without Alexander Bah, Manu, and Bruma due to injuries, and former Tottenham midfielder Tanguy Ndombele will not play for Nice in the match. Nicolas Otamendi will start at the heart of Benfica's defense.
This tie demonstrated Benfica's clear superiority in this matchup and their readiness for the Champions League proper, whereas Nice's depleted squad could not overcome the deficit. As the Champions League group stage beckons, Benfica fans can look forward to another exciting season of European football.
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