Benfica vs Fenerbahce Prediction, Preview, Predicted Lineups & Team News | UEFA Champions League

Benfica vs Fenerbahçe Preview

• Competition: UEFA Champions League
• Date: Thursday, 28 August
• Kick-Off Time: 08:00 PM GMT
• Venue: Estadio da Luz

Benfica are ready to battle it out against the Turkish giants Fenerbahçe in the second leg of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League Qualifier Play-Offs. The first leg was a very close and competitive game, which ended in a goalless draw, and both teams will lock horns in the second leg for a place in the Champions League.

Here's Sportsdunia's Benfica vs Fenerbahçe Preview:

The Jose Mourinho-led Fenerbahçe lost a golden opportunity to take the lead in the first leg against a 10-man Benfica side. The Portuguese side will be happy with the first leg's results, although their performance was not up to the mark. Bruno Lage and his men will be confident going into the second leg as they have a good record against Fenerbahçe and are undefeated against them at home. Playing at home, Benfica will have the support of the home crowd, and with their quality, they are very much capable of winning this upcoming fixture.

Fenerbahçe will have to use their motivation in the right way because facing Benfica away from home will be a very tough task. The Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho's relationship with Benfica has always been rough since his association with Porto back in the day, and he will be ready for the challenge and push his players to their limits to cause an upset. The Turkish giants do have the quality to beat Benfica at the latter's home, but they will have to be at their best for the full 90 minutes and can't afford to take them lightly at all. This match can go to extra time and penalties as well. It will be a mouthwatering clash for sure.

Benfica Team News

Alexander Bah, Bruma and Manu Silva are all injured for the home side and will not be available for the match. Tomas Araujo is also doubtful due to fitness concerns. Florentino Luis will be suspended for the second leg as he got a red card in the first leg. The rest of the players are fit to play.

Fenerbahçe Team News

For the away team, Rodrigo Becao is the only player who will miss the second leg due to injury. The rest of the squad is completely fit to play the play-off fixture against the Portuguese giants.

Benfica vs Fenerbahçe Predicted Lineups

Here are our predicted lineups for the second leg of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League Qualifier Play-Offs between Benfica and Fenerbahçe.

Benfica Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):

Goalkeeper: Trubin

Defenders: Dedic, Silva, Otamendi, Dahl

Midfielders: Rios, Barreiro, Barrenechea

Forwards: Aursnes, Pavlidis, Arturkoglu

Fenerbahce Predicted Lineup (3-4-1-2):

Goalkeeper: Egribayat

Defenders: Muldur, Skriniar, Oosterwolde

Midfielders: Semedo, Amrabat, Fred, Brown

Forwards: Szymanski, Duran, En-Nesyri

Benfica vs. Fenerbahçe Head-to-Head Record

Key Players to Watch in Benfica vs Fenerbahce

Vangelis Pavlidis (Benfica)

Last season, the Greek international was a standout player for the Portuguese side, scoring numerous goals and performing brilliantly throughout the season. There were a couple of rumours about him leaving the club to join some big club, but he has decided to stay with the Portuguese giants. Pavlidis hopes to continue performing similarly this season, and Bruno Lage has full trust in him to do so. He has all the qualities of a top forward who can score as well as provide assists. In two games this season, he has scored one goal.

Jhon Duran (Fenerbahce)

The young Colombian international left Aston Villa to join Saudi Pro League outfit Al Nassr, but after a few appearances for the club, he was loaned out and is now part of Mourinho's Fenerbahçe. He has yet to score a goal for the Turkish outfit, but surely he has the quality to make a difference on the field. There were a lot of talks about his performance and mentality, but still, Mourinho and his coaching staff very much trust him and hope that he can deliver the performance which is expected out of him. Duran will be a big threat to the Benfica's defence in the upcoming match for sure.

Benfica vs Fenerbahce Prediction

The last few fixtures between these two sides have been very competitive and tight, and we can expect the same in the second leg as well. Fenerbahce have never beaten Benfica at their home, and surely it will be a huge task for the Turkish side. This will be an exciting clash for sure, but the Portuguese side is likely to narrowly clinch the tie.

Predicted Score: Benfica 2-1 Fenerbahce

Where to Watch Benfica vs Fenerbahce Live?