Benfica vs Nice Prediction & Betting Tips (12 August)

As a favorite, the Benfica Lisbon went to the lawn of the gym as part of the first leg of the 3rd round of qualifying for the Champions League. A Benfica Lisbon who had had the opportunity to play a match of this scale a few days earlier after a success in Supercoupe in Portugal in front of Sporting Lisbon 1-0 his sworn enemy on Thursday, July 31. After a first half when the two teams went blow for blow, 0-0 at the whistle of the first part of this period. The players of Bruno Lage whose speech will have had the merit of motivating the troops in the locker room returned to the field with much more desire and adequate energy in a Champions League match. A first goal scored by the Ivanovic center-forward at close range 53 ', 1-0 on an excellent center from the right to the left, before seeing Florentino Luis 88'-0 of the 35 meters send a superb strike in the nets of a diouf masked at the start of the ball. Benfica will not play in the league this weekend calendar.

  No recovery in an official match or CDM clubs, but a generally solid preparation. Nice found his way to the field on July 12, when he won before the Circle of Bruges 2-1, before this success in front of Aubagne 3-0 resident of National on July 16, for a draw against ASNL 3-3 on July 19, capital success on July 26 in front of Feyenoord 2-1 for the Nissarte before a setback in front of Sankt Pauli 2-0 the same day with the reservist team In front of Sheffield United 3-2 resident of Championship. Tonight, the OGC Nice is sentenced to a feat in the Portuguese capital. 0-2 at home faced with such a training seems to be an impossible mission for the men of Frank Haise already decreased in the first leg, without counting the many departures, more new players injured during the first leg. As every year, the Niçois have some medical concerns but will benefit from 6 days of rest like his opponent of the day to prepare this deadline. 

Tactically, Benfica’s high press and fluid transitions have proven difficult for Nice to contain. The Portuguese side’s ability to exploit wide areas and deliver precise crosses—like Aursnes’ assist for Ivanović—could be decisive again. Nice must tighten their defensive structure and find a way to bypass Benfica’s midfield press, perhaps by utilizing Boudaoui’s dribbling and passing range more effectively. The return leg in Lisbon promises a charged atmosphere at Estádio da Luz, where Benfica’s home support often acts as a twelfth man. With their confidence surging, the Eagles will look to strike early and put the tie beyond reach.

Given the current form and squad dynamics, a 2-1 scoreline in favor of Benfica feels plausible. Nice are capable of snatching a goal—especially if Pavlidis or Boudaoui find space—but Benfica’s attacking rhythm and defensive solidity should see them through. Expect a spirited response from the French side, but ultimately, Benfica’s experience and cohesion should prevail. The predicted 2-1 result reflects a competitive match, but one where the Portuguese outfit maintains control and advances with authority.