Crvena zvezda vs Benfica Prediction 19 Sep 2024

⚽ Champions League - League phase - Round 1 Preview

📅 19 Sep 2024

⏰ 17:45 GMT +1

🏟 Stadion Rajko Mitić (Belgrade)

Two former European champions face off in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) as Red Star Belgrade, winners of the 1991 European Cup, meet two-time champions Benfica. Red Star secured their spot in the competition by defeating Bodø/Glimt in a play-off, with Uroš Spajić highlighting the victory as a career highlight. With two domestic wins and clean sheets under their belt, Red Star will be confident. Historically, they have a strong record at home against Portuguese teams (W2, D1) and will look to extend that to boost their chances of reaching their first UCL knockout phase.

Benfica, runners-up in Liga Portugal last season, qualified directly for their 14th UCL appearance in 15 editions. However, they’ve recently undergone a managerial change, replacing Roger Schmidt with Bruno Lage, who celebrated his return with a 4-1 win over Santa Clara. Despite Lage’s mixed record in UCL away matches, Benfica has only lost three of their last 17 UCL games on the road. Benfica’s squad is bolstered by players like Orkun Kökçü, making them a formidable opponent.

Where to watch Crvena zvezda vs Benfica?

📺 Link to watch Crvena zvezda vs Benfica Live Stream on TV

📋Players to watch: Red Star’s Bruno Duarte, who has netted six goals this season and scored twice against Benfica previously, and Benfica’s Orkun Kökçü, with four goal contributions this season, including several key early strikes.

⚡️Match Facts: Red Star has conceded at least twice in four of their last five UCL home games. Benfica has lost only three of their last 17 UCL away matches.

💡 Crvena zvezda vs Benfica Prediction

Crvena zvezda comes into this game with confidence from their strong domestic form and unbeaten home record against Portuguese teams. However, Benfica’s recent managerial boost and solid UCL away form give them the upper hand. Expect a tight match, but Benfica's quality and European experience may see them through in the end.

Crvena zvezda vs Benfica Betting Tips

• Benfica to win
• Both teams to score
• Over 2.5 goals in the match