The first match of the third qualifying round of the 2025/26 Champions League between Nice (France) and Benfica (Portugal) will take place on August 6 at the Allianz Riviera Stadium. Nice vs. Benfica: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Nice
Nice finished fourth in the previous French championship, earning them a spot in the Champions League qualifiers. Notably, the club has participated in this tournament only once before, in the 2017/18 season, when they also started from the third qualifying round and advanced successfully. Last year, Nice competed in the Europa League group stage, where they finished second to last, collecting just three points (3 draws, 5 losses).
In the off-season, defender Jean-Clair Todibo and goalkeeper Marcin Bulka left the club. Forward Isaac Janssen was acquired.
- In the last nine home matches in European competitions, both teams scored.
- The team has lost 5 of their last 7 international matches (2 draws).
- In 4 of Nice's last 5 home matches in European tournaments, the result was a draw.
Predicted lineup for Nice (5-2-3)
Yehvann Diouf – Djuma Ba, Melvin Bard, Dante, Jonathan Clauss, Antoine Mendy – Morgan Sanson, Hicham Boudaoui – Terem Moffi, Badredine Bouanani, Evann Guessand.
Benfica
The Portuguese side secured a spot in the Champions League qualifiers by finishing second in their domestic league last season. In the 21st century, Benfica has participated in this tournament 20 times, reaching the quarter-finals on five occasions. Additionally, they have reached this qualifying stage eight times, advancing on five occasions. Last season, Benfica also competed in the Champions League, starting from the group stage and reaching the Round of 16. It's worth mentioning that the team recently won the Portuguese Super Cup, defeating Sporting 1-0.
During the summer, defender Alvaro Fernandez Carreras, winger Angel Di Maria, and forward Arthur Cabral departed the team. Midfielder Richard Rios was among the new signings.
- The Portuguese side has won 5 of their last 7 away matches in the Champions League.
- At least one goal was scored in the first half in 6 of their last 8 away games in the Champions League.
Predicted lineup for Benfica (4-3-3)
Anatolii Trubin – Antonio Silva, Samuel Dall, Nicolas Otamendi, Amar Dedic – Richard Rios, Leandro Barreiro, Enzo Barrenechea – Kerem Akturkoglu, Evangelos Pavlidis, Fredrik Aursnes.
Referee
Michael Oliver (England)
Matches – 16 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 67;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.2;
Red cards shown – 3;
Average fouls per match – 23;
Penalties – 38%.
Nice vs. Benfica: Match Prediction
It's been a while since Nice played in Europe's premier tournament, so the players might feel nervous. They are likely to focus on controlling possession rather than pushing forward aggressively. Additionally, Nice has scored no more than one goal in 4 of their last 5 home matches in European competitions.
On the other hand, Benfica is usually solid defensively: they have conceded no more than one goal in 12 of their last 16 away games in the Champions League, and only regular participants have managed to score more than once against them. It's also worth noting that Benfica strengthened their midfield in the off-season by signing defensive midfielder Richard Rios, who can significantly aid in breaking up opponents' attacks.
Considering all these factors, my prediction: Total under 1.5 goals for Nice
