Sabasports Match Preview
UEFA Champions League: Benfica vs Bologna
Kickoff Time: 2024-12-12 04:00(HKT)
Source:REUTERS/Rodrigo Antunes
Benfica secured a 1-0 victory against Vitoria de Guimaraes at home in the league last weekend, marking their fifth consecutive win across all competitions, showcasing a remarkable form. Notably, during this five-match winning streak, Benfica scored a total of 17 goals while conceding only three, demonstrating a perfect performance on both offensive and defensive ends. In the Primeira Liga standings, Benfica currently sits in second place with a record of 10 wins, one draw, and one loss, just two points behind the leaders, Sporting Lisbon, despite having played one game less. Benfica typically employs a 4-3-3 formation, focusing on overall control and flexible attacking combinations. They manage the pace of the game through quick passing and strong midfield dominance. Additionally, Benfica has shown a formidable home performance, recording nine wins and one loss in their last 10 home matches, which is quite impressive.
Bologna, on the other hand, drew 2-2 away against Juventus in the last match, and they are currently unbeaten in their last three games with two wins and one draw, showing signs of improvement. Bologna sits in eighth place in the Serie A standings with a record of five wins, seven draws, and two losses. However, in the Champions League, Bologna drew 0-0 with Shakhtar Donetsk in the first round and subsequently lost to Liverpool, Aston Villa, AS Monaco, and Lille, currently on a four-match losing streak. After a 59-year absence, Bologna’s return to the Champions League seems to have not met the expected result. As a small club, Bologna cannot make high-profile signings and often has to “sell to survive” every summer transfer window, which has resulted in a relatively weak squad.
Considering the overall strength and recent form of both teams, Benfica is clearly superior to Bologna. Furthermore, Benfica has significantly more experiences in the Champions League compared to Bologna. Given Benfica’s current hot streak and the advantage of playing at home, they are well-positioned to continue their strong performance and secure all three points in this match.
Benfica’s Last 5 Games: WWWWW
24-12-08 Benfica 1-0 Vitoria de Guimaraes
24-12-02 Arouca 0-2 Benfica
24-11-28 AS Monaco 2-3 Benfica
24-11-24 Benfica 7-0 CF Estrela da Amadora
24-11-11 Benfica 4-1 FC Porto
Bologna’s Last 5 Games: DWWLL
24-12-08 Juventus 2-2 Bologna
24-12-04 Bologna 4-0 Monza
24-12-01 Bologna 3-0 Venezia
24-11-28 Bologna 1-2 Lille
24-11-25 Lazio 3-0 Bologna
Head To Head Record:
None
Prediction: Benfica to win