In Champions League Competition, Benfica Emerges Victorious, Eliminating Nice and Yielding Europa League Participation instead
Benfica Lisbon Advances to Champions League Playoffs, OGC Nice Struggles in Europa League
Benfica Lisbon has secured a place in the Champions League playoffs following a comfortable 2-0 victory over OGC Nice on August 12, 2025. The home team dominated the match, with Fredrik Aursnes and Andreas Schjelderup putting on a show, each scoring a goal.
The opening goal came at the 18th/19th minute, with Aursnes finding the back of the net after a brilliant assist from Schjelderup. Schjelderup then added to Benfica's lead around the 27th minute, scoring a beautiful curling shot after reversing roles with Aursnes on the right side.
Both players were key contributors to Benfica's 4-0 aggregate win over Nice, with Aursnes scoring the second goal and Schjelderup providing an assist for the first. The game was essentially over by the 30-minute mark, as OGC Nice struggled to recover from the early deficit.
The second half saw Benfica content to manage the game, with no significant chances for OGC Nice. Despite a few close calls, such as Jonathan Clauss's lovely half-volley that hit the post (31st minute), Benfica's defense held firm to secure the win at Estádio da Luz.
The outcome of the match was already decided by the end of the first half, with OGC Nice showing no ability to turn the tide. This result comes as no surprise, as no French club has ever beaten Benfica Lisbon at the Estádio da Luz in 20 matches.
Meanwhile, OGC Nice will be participating in the Europa League, not the Champions League, following their relegation. The curse of French clubs at the Estádio da Luz seemed to affect the performance of OGC Nice players, as they were plagued by injuries during the match.
As Benfica Lisbon advances to the next qualifying round of the Champions League, Lyon and Lille will also be participating in the Europa League alongside OGC Nice. It remains to be seen if any French club can break the curse and secure a victory at the Estádio da Luz in the future.
[1] Benfica Lisbon vs OGC Nice: Aursnes and Schjelderup shine in 2-0 victory
[2] Benfica Lisbon vs OGC Nice: Benfica secure Champions League playoff spot with 4-0 aggregate win
[3] Benfica Lisbon vs OGC Nice: Benfica's defense holds firm in second half to secure victory
[1] In the Champions League clash between Benfica Lisbon and OGC Nice, Fredrik Aursnes and Andreas Schjelderup were the standout performers, each scoring a goal as Benfica secured a comfortable 2-0 win.
[2] With their 2-0 victory over OGC Nice on August 12, 2025, Benfica Lisbon booked their place in the Champions League playoffs, concluding a 4-0 aggregate win over the French club.
