Benfica vs Bayer Leverkusen Prediction & Betting Tips (5 November)

Benfica welcome Bayer Leverkusen to Lisbon in what promises to be one of the most intriguing fixtures of this Champions League group stage. The Portuguese side have been in strong domestic form, recently defeating Tondela 3-0 and Arouca 5-0, while also holding Porto to a goalless draw in the league. However, their European campaign has been mixed, with a heavy 3-0 defeat away to Newcastle still fresh in memory. Under José Mourinho, Benfica have shown resilience and tactical discipline, and the squad has been boosted by the recent performances of Vangelis Pavlidis and Dodi Lukebakio, who both found the net in the last two weeks. The club has also been in the news for its continued push to secure a deeper Champions League run, with Mourinho emphasizing the importance of balancing domestic dominance with European ambition.

Bayer Leverkusen arrive in Lisbon with a reputation for attacking football but also a recent reminder of their vulnerabilities. They suffered a bruising 7-2 home defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in October, a result that highlighted defensive frailties. Yet, they quickly bounced back with a 2-0 Bundesliga win over Freiburg and a 4-2 victory against Paderborn in the DFB Pokal. Alejandro Grimaldo, formerly of Benfica, has been a standout performer for Leverkusen this season, contributing both defensively and offensively. The German side has also been in the headlines due to their upcoming clash with Bayern Munich, a match that many see as a test of their title credentials in the Bundesliga. Despite the setback against PSG, Leverkusen’s recent domestic form suggests they remain a dangerous opponent.

The tactical battle between Mourinho and Kasper Hjulmand will be fascinating. Benfica’s defensive solidity and ability to control possession will be tested against Leverkusen’s quick transitions and wide play. Benfica’s recent clean sheets in the Portuguese league show their defensive organization, while Leverkusen’s ability to score multiple goals in domestic matches underlines their attacking threat. Both teams have been juggling demanding schedules, with Benfica preparing for upcoming fixtures against Ajax and Napoli, while Leverkusen face Heidenheim and Manchester City later this month. The physical and mental demands of this period could play a decisive role in determining the outcome of this encounter.

Given the form and recent results of both sides, this match is expected to be tightly contested. Benfica’s home advantage at the Estádio da Luz, combined with their strong domestic momentum, gives them a slight edge. Leverkusen, however, have shown they can score against anyone, even if their defense remains inconsistent. Taking all factors into account, including Benfica’s recent attacking fluency and Leverkusen’s occasional defensive lapses, the most likely outcome appears to be a narrow Benfica victory. The prediction for this Champions League clash is a 2-1 win for Benfica, a result that would keep their European hopes firmly alive while leaving Leverkusen with work to do in the group.