Benfica vs Sporting CP Prediction & Betting Tips (5 December)

Benfica enter this highly anticipated clash against Sporting CP with renewed confidence after a turbulent autumn. Under José Mourinho, the Eagles finally secured their first Champions League win of the season, defeating Ajax 2-0 in Amsterdam thanks to goals from Samuel Dahl and Leandro Barreiro. Domestically, they have shown resilience, most recently coming from behind to beat Nacional 2-1 away, with late strikes from Gianluca Prestianni and Vangelis Pavlidis. This victory followed a frustrating 2-2 draw against Casa Pia and a convincing 3-0 win over Guimarães earlier in November. Transfer rumors have also swirled around the club, particularly regarding Paulo Dybala, though president Rui Costa firmly denied any interest. Benfica’s form has been inconsistent in Europe but steady in the Liga Portugal, where they remain firmly in the title race.

Sporting CP, meanwhile, have been in formidable form both domestically and in Europe. Rui Borges’ side recently dismantled Club Brugge 3-0 in the Champions League, with goals from Geovany Quenda, Luis Suárez, and Francisco Trincão, pushing them into the top eight of the league phase. In Liga Portugal, they crushed Estrela Amadora 4-0 at home, with Quaresma, Fresneda, and Suárez all on the scoresheet. Prior to that, Sporting edged Santa Clara 2-1 away and comfortably beat Alverca 2-0. Their consistency has been remarkable, with only one league defeat so far this season, and their attacking depth has been highlighted by the contributions of Pedro Gonçalves and Luis Suárez. The team’s confidence is high, and their ability to rotate players without losing momentum has been a defining strength.



The rivalry between Benfica and Sporting CP is always one of the most intense fixtures in Portuguese football, and this upcoming encounter promises to be no different. Benfica will rely on the experience of Nicolás Otamendi at the back and the creativity of Pavlidis up front, while Sporting’s midfield, led by Morten Hjulmand, has been dictating games with authority. Both sides have shown resilience in recent weeks, with Benfica grinding out late wins and Sporting demonstrating ruthless efficiency. The tactical battle between Mourinho’s pragmatism and Borges’ attacking philosophy will be fascinating, especially given the stakes in the league table. With Porto also in contention, neither side can afford to drop points, making this derby even more crucial.

Prediction-wise, Sporting CP’s current momentum and attacking sharpness give them a slight edge over Benfica’s more inconsistent performances. While Benfica have shown they can fight back late in games, Sporting’s ability to dominate early and maintain control could prove decisive. Taking into account their recent form and the balance of power in midfield, the forecast leans toward a narrow Sporting victory. The expected correct score is 1:2, with Sporting CP edging Benfica in a thrilling contest that will likely be remembered as one of the season’s defining clashes.