Benfica vs Feyenoord prediction: EUROPE: Champions League – League phase betting tips on match 2024-10-22 19:00.
[p]Benfica stood proudly as one of seven clubs to win each of their opening two matches of the new UEFA Champions League league phase, continuing Bruno Lage’s dream start to his second stint as manager. They had the luxury of returning from the international break with a cup game against fourth-tier side Pevidém (W 2-0), allowing Lage to give valuable rest to some of his most important players.[/p]
[p]Their 4-0 demolition of Atlético Madrid on matchday two was one of the outstanding performances of the league phase to date and now has the two-time European Cup champions considered as a genuine contender for a top-eight finish and direct qualification to the Round of 16 as a result. That victory also extended their unbeaten run in UEFA home games to four in succession (W3, D1), and with their defence conceding no more than one goal in nine straight games across all competitions, they’ll welcome Feyenoord to the Portuguese capital full of confidence.[/p]
[p]Feyenoord themselves have had a tough start to their Eredivisie and Champions League campaigns under new manager Brian Friske but have been working their way back into contention on both fronts in recent weeks. Friske became the first Feyenoord boss since Bert van Marwijk back in 2002 to steer Feyenoord to an away victory in Champions League football, albeit with a stroke of fortune courtesy of a pair of own goals from Girona in the process (3-2).[/p]
[p]Whilst that was a pleasing victory, the odds for this game suggest a much tougher test awaits Feyenoord, and they’ll have to continue lifting their game to stand up to the task. Friske was “not happy with how the second half went” against Girona, and as he prepares to tackle an opposition that has led at half-time in almost every competitive game this season, they’ll need to be relentless throughout.  [/p]
[p]Players to watch: Benfica’s Vangelis Pavlidis scored an emotional double in Greece’s inaugural victory over England last week, dedicating the success to recently passed national teammate George Baldock. Exciting 19-year-old midfielder Antoni Milambo scored in Feyenoord’s 5-1 league win over Go Ahead Eagles, adding to the goal he recorded against Girona. [/p]
[p]Hot streak: Benfica’s last five UEFA home games produced over 2.5 total goals. [/p]
[p][i]Written by Aaron Murphy[/i][/p]