Fenerbahce vs Benfica Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Can Benfica get over the line on Tuesday night and progress to the next round of Champions League qualifying? This has been a rude awakening for Benfica, who have comfortably qualified for the tournament after years of domination in Portugal. However, now the Eagles have to go through a gruelling qualifying progress after finishing second in the Primeira Liga. Meanwhile, Portugal’s team count in this competition is down to two, and it could be even lower if the dethroned champions slip up in his clash. After a narrow 1-0 home win in the first leg, can the visitors hold on here?

Fenerbahce are another side who didn’t do enough for the title last season, but they came up just short in the four way battle on the final day of the campaign. The Turkish side aren’t as highly rated as they used to be, and they feel vulnerable against Benfica here, given what’s at stake. Although, that does go for both sides, which makes this a fascinating tie.

With both sides feeling their way in to the season, there’s huge pressure on these two early on. They’ve got a make or break clash here, followed by another in the next round. Picking up that Champions League money would be huge for both sides, and getting back on that big stage adds some much needed prestige. With talent deserting Portuguese football at rapid pace – mainly for the Championship – the Eagles need something to lure players to Lisbon, and the pull of playing Europe’s best sides will go a long way with them.

There’s so much on the line for Benfica, who have lost so many top players in recent months. They are ready to sell off highly rated centre-half Ruben Diaz to Lyon, should this bid for the Champions League group stage fail. That sale would go some way to covering their losses, but without him Benfica would struggle at the back, and they’d likely just end up back here in this position again next season.

With pressure on both sides, we expect another low scoring match following their tight first leg. Benfica conceded just 0.65 goals per game last season, and that kind of resolve should see them hold out. We expect them to come here and play for a draw, before hitting Fener late on the break to take the match and the tie. That has us predicting under 2.5 goals to be scored in this one, alongside a 1-0 away win.