Benfica vs Atl. Madrid Prediction 02 Oct 2024

⚽ Champions League - League phase - Round 2 Preview

📅 02 Oct 2024

⏰ 20:00 GMT +1

🏟 Estádio da Luz (Lisbon)

Benfica’s new manager Bruno Lage has enjoyed a fantastic start in his second stint at the club, winning four consecutive matches, including a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Red Star Belgrade in their Champions League opener. This gives the Portuguese side the opportunity to win their first two games in a Champions League campaign for just the third time. However, they face a daunting challenge against Spanish opposition, having won only two of their last 21 such encounters (D8, L11). One of those victories did come against Atlético Madrid back in 2015/16, with both meetings that season ending 2-1 for the away side. Yet, Benfica’s struggles at home in the Champions League (D1, L3 in their last four) suggest they face a tough path to victory.

Atlético Madrid arrive in Lisbon on a high after rescuing a last-minute draw in a chaotic Madrid derby, extending their unbeaten start to the season (W5, D4). Late goals have been a recurring theme for Diego Simeone’s side, as they netted a 90th-minute winner to defeat Leipzig 2-1 in their UCL opener. However, their away form in this competition has been shaky, with just one win in their last nine UCL away games (D2, L6). Despite these struggles, Atlético have a solid record in Portugal, winning three of their last four trips (L1), although that defeat came in their most recent visit to Porto.

Where to watch Benfica vs Atl. Madrid?

📺 Link to watch Benfica vs Atl. Madrid Live Stream on TV

📋Players to watch:

• Kerem Aktürkoğlu (Benfica): The winger has been in excellent form since joining from Galatasaray, contributing to goals in all four of his appearances (3 goals, 2 assists), with all three of his strikes coming in the opening 30 minutes, including one in Benfica's first UCL match.
• Alexander Sørloth (Atlético Madrid): Although the striker is currently on a goal drought, having gone ten games without finding the net for club and country, Atlético will be hoping that the Champions League reignites his scoring touch.

⚡️Match Facts:

• Benfica have won just two of their last 21 matches against Spanish opposition.
• Atlético have scored before half-time in only two of their last seven games.
• Atlético Madrid have won three of their last four visits to Portugal.

💡 Benfica vs Atl. Madrid Prediction

Benfica's strong form under Bruno Lage gives them hope, but their poor record against Spanish teams and struggles at home in the Champions League create doubts. Atlético Madrid, while inconsistent away from home in Europe, have shown resilience this season, particularly with their knack for scoring late goals. This clash is likely to be closely contested, but Atlético’s experience and ability to grind out results might see them edge out Benfica in a tight affair.

Benfica vs Atl. Madrid Betting Tips

• Atlético Madrid to win or draw (Double Chance).
• Under 2.5 goals in the match.
• Both teams to score: No.