Benfica vs Santa Clara Prediction & Betting Tips (12 September)

The Estádio da Luz prepares to host a clash of contrasting fortunes as Benfica welcomes Santa Clara on September 12th for Matchday 5 of Liga Portugal. Benfica, under the tactical stewardship of Bruno Lage, enters the fixture in formidable form, having secured three wins and a draw in their last four outings. Their most recent triumph—a 2-1 victory over FC Alverca—showcased the attacking prowess of Angel Di Maria and Vangelis Pavlidis, while the defensive pairing of António Silva and Nicolás Otamendi continues to offer steel at the back. With 18 players recently called up for international duty, including Silva for Portugal and Otamendi for Argentina, the squad’s depth and quality remain unquestionable.

Santa Clara, meanwhile, arrives in Lisbon with a more sobering narrative. Vasco Lopes’ side has struggled to find rhythm, sitting 15th in the table with just one point from four matches. Their lone bright spot came in a gritty 1-0 win over Estoril, courtesy of a penalty from Gabriel Silva Vieira. However, the team’s attacking output remains a concern, having scored only once in their last five games. The defensive line, led by captain Gabriel Batista de Souza, has shown resilience, but lapses in midfield cohesion and a lack of creativity in the final third have left Santa Clara vulnerable against more dominant sides.



Benfica’s home record this season has been pristine, and their tactical blueprint—built on possession, rapid transitions, and high pressing—has consistently overwhelmed lesser opponents. With Renato Sanches orchestrating the midfield and Schjelderup offering width and flair, the Eagles are expected to dictate tempo and create multiple scoring opportunities. Santa Clara’s best hope lies in absorbing pressure and striking on the counter, possibly through the pace of Bruno Gonçalves Santos or a set-piece opportunity. Yet, history leans heavily in Benfica’s favor, having won all five of their last head-to-head encounters.

Expect a competitive but ultimately one-sided affair, with Santa Clara likely to find a moment of joy—perhaps through a late goal—but not enough to derail Benfica’s momentum. A 2-1 scoreline feels fitting: Benfica to dominate possession and chances, Santa Clara to snatch a consolation, and the hosts to walk away with three points and a continued push toward the summit of Liga Portugal.

• Summary: Benfica is going head to head with Santa Clara starting on 12 Sept 2025 at 19:15 UTC at Estádio da Luz stadium, Lisbon city, Portugal. The match is a part of the Liga Portugal Betclic .
• Benfica Feedinco Rating: 7.00
• Santa Clara Feedinco Rating: 6.71