Portimonense vs Benfica B Prediction & Betting Tips (9 February)

Portimonense enter this Liga Portugal 2 encounter still trying to steady themselves after a turbulent stretch in early 2024, where their form fluctuated significantly and their defensive frailties were repeatedly exposed. Their recent fixtures in the second tier included meetings with Feirense, Vizela, Benfica II, Sporting CP II and Académico Viseu, a run that highlighted both their inconsistency and their struggle to maintain momentum against technically sharper opponents. The club has also been dealing with squad adjustments and tactical reshuffles, with several players rotating in and out of the starting lineup as the coaching staff search for a more reliable formula. Despite occasional bright spells, Portimonense have found it difficult to sustain pressure across ninety minutes, and their inability to convert promising phases into goals has been a recurring theme. With the season entering a decisive phase, the team’s supporters are hoping for a more cohesive performance, especially in high‑profile matchups such as this one.

Benfica, meanwhile, approach the fixture from a very different vantage point, having spent the past two months juggling domestic league commitments with European competition. Their recent schedule included league matches against Estrela, Tondela, Alverca and Santa Clara, as well as a Champions League meeting with Real Madrid, all of which demanded squad rotation and tactical discipline. The team’s 4–0 victory over Portimonense in late February 2024 remains a vivid reminder of their attacking firepower, with Rafa Silva, David Neres and Ángel Di María all finding the net in a dominant display. Benfica’s ability to control possession, dictate tempo and create overloads in wide areas has been central to their success, and their depth allows them to adapt quickly when opponents attempt to disrupt their rhythm. Even when they have been held to draws away from home, their overall structure and technical superiority have kept them firmly in contention across competitions.

The contrast between the two sides becomes even more pronounced when examining their recent performances. Portimonense’s outings in Liga Portugal 2 have often been defined by narrow margins, defensive lapses and difficulty breaking down compact opponents, while Benfica have shown a far more polished and assertive approach. The Lisbon giants have benefited from the resurgence of key players such as Rafa Silva, whose influence in the final third continues to grow, and the creativity of midfielders like Orkun Kökçü, who has been instrumental in linking play and generating forward momentum. Portimonense, on the other hand, have relied heavily on moments of individual initiative rather than sustained collective execution, and their struggles against higher‑tempo sides have been evident. With both teams entering this match under different kinds of pressure, the tactical dynamics promise to be intriguing, especially if Portimonense attempt to sit deeper and counter rather than engage Benfica directly.

Taking all recent form, squad quality and tactical trends into account, Benfica appear better positioned to dictate the flow of the match, even if Portimonense manage to produce a more disciplined defensive structure than in previous encounters. The visitors’ superior movement, pressing coordination and finishing efficiency give them a clear edge, though Portimonense may still find opportunities through transitional play if they can exploit occasional gaps left by Benfica’s advanced full‑backs. While football always leaves room for surprises, the balance of evidence points toward a competitive but ultimately Benfica‑favoured outcome. Therefore, the most reasonable prediction for this matchup is a correct score of 1–2.