Sabasports Match Preview
UEFA Champions League: Fenerbahce vs Benfica
Kickoff Time: 2025.8.21 03:00 (HKT)
Source:REUTERS/Rodrigo Antunes
In last weekend’s Turkish Super League, Fenerbahçe drew 0-0 away against Göztepe, missing out on a winning start to the league. In the third round of the UEFA Champions League qualifying, Fenerbahçe eliminated Feyenoord with an aggregate score of 6-4, successfully advancing to the playoffs. This summer transfer window, Fenerbahçe’s top scorer Edin Džeko and Dušan Tadić both left the team, but they have brought in Jhon Durán on loan from Al-Nassr and permanently signed center-back Milan Škriniar for €7 million. Subsequently, Fenerbahçe also signed free-agent right-back Nélson Semedo and secured Archie Brown for €8 million. From the perspective of the strength and effectiveness of their signings, Fenerbahçe’s overall improvement is not significant, especially as the cohesion among their attacking players still needs enhancement.
Benfica, on the other hand, won 1-0 away against Amadora in last weekend’s Primeira Liga, achieving a winning start to the league. In the Champions League, Benfica comfortably advanced to the playoffs by eliminating Nice with an aggregate score of 4-0. This summer, Benfica signed Croatian international Franjo Ivanović for €22.5 million and then acquired Palmeiras midfielder Richard Ríos for €27 million. Notably, Ivanović scored in his Champions League debut against Nice, while Richard Ríos helped the team win the previous Supertaça and was named the MVP of the match, showcasing strong midfield control. From the effectiveness of their signings, these two transactions have proven to be quite successful for Benfica.
Overall, in terms of strength and reputation, Benfica clearly surpasses Fenerbahçe. Moreover, comparing the performances of both teams in the last qualifying round, Benfica significantly outperformed Fenerbahçe. In summary, it would be reasonable to expect the strong Benfica to can keep unbeaten in this match.
Fenerbahce ‘s Last 5 Games: DWLWL
25-08-17 Goztepe Sports 0-0 Fenerbahce
25-08-13 Fenerbahce 5-2 Feyenoord
25-08-07 Feyenoord 2-1 Fenerbahce
25-07-31 Fenerbahce 1-0 Lazio
25-07-27 Benfica 3-2 Fenerbahce
Benfica‘s Last 5 Games: WWWWD
25-08-17 Estrela 0-1 Benfica
25-08-13 Benfica 2-0 Nice
25-08-07 Nice 0-2 Benfica
25-07-27 Benfica 3-2 Fenerbahce
25-06-29 Benfica 1-1 Chelsea (0-3 ET)
Head-To-Head Record
25-07-27 Benfica 3-2 Fenerbahce
18-08-15 Fenerbahce 1-1 Benfica
18-08-08 Benfica 1-0 Fenerbahce
13-05-03 Benfica 3-1 Fenerbahce
13-04-26 Fenerbahce 1-0 Benfica
Prediction: Benfica to win, or draw