Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Champions League match.
In the opening round of the main stage, Benfica are expected to take care of business against an irregular Champions League participant, especially at home. Qarabağ’s only hope lies in their overall European experience and a touch of good fortune.
Benfica
Last season, Benfica reached the round of 16, where only one of Europe’s elite, Barcelona, managed to stop them (0:1, 1:3). The Catalans also inflicted one of just two home defeats all season — across all competitions Benfica lost only to Barcelona and Feyenoord Rotterdam (3:1), the latter going on a spectacular run of their own. Under 49-year-old Bruno Lage, Benfica played five other Champions League matches, winning three and drawing two.
Qarabağ
If Benfica could sweep aside Atlético Madrid 4:0, what chance do Qarabağ realistically have? The Azerbaijani champions, while dominant at home domestically, rarely reach the Champions League proper. Their last group-stage appearance came back in 2017/18, when they finished bottom with just two points. Still, under long-serving manager Gurban Gurbanov, they achieved a historic 1:1 draw away at Atlético, but were also dismantled 6:0 by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Benfica vs Qarabağ Prediction
Benfica will almost certainly prevail in Lisbon. The clubs have never met before, but if the Portuguese side overcame a strong Nice 2:0 in this summer’s qualifying rounds, expect at least the same margin of victory against Qarabağ.
