Fenerbahce vs Benfica Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | UEFA Champions League 2025-26 playoff first leg

Benfica came out on top when these sides last met.

Fenerbahce are ready to battle it out against SL Benfica in what is going to be the playoff round first leg of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League qualifier. The interesting contest between these clubs will take place at the Ulker Stadyumu.

The Jose Mourinho-led Fenerbahce will be at home for the first leg, and this is going to be the perfect opportunity for them to take the advantage. The Turkish Super Lig side are coming in after taking down Feyenoord after a thrilling comeback. They are looking good and will be looking for a win here.

SL Benfica recently secured a win over the Turkish club in a club friendly game. But this time around, the stakes will be high and the Portugal-based club are going to face a tough challenge here. They defeated Nice in the previous round of the UCL qualifiers.

Benfica displayed a good set of performances and will be looking to come up with a similar one here.

Kick-off:

• Location: Istanbul, Turkey
• Stadium: Ulker Stadyumu
• Date: Thursday, August 21
• Kick-off Time: 12:30 a.m. IST (Wednesday, August 20; 07:00 p.m. GMT/ 03:00 p.m. ET/ 12:00 p.m. PT)
• Referee: Daniel Siebert
• VAR: In use

Form:

Fenerbahce: L-W-L-W-D

Benfica: W-W-W-W-W

Players to Watch

Youssef En Nesyri (Fenerbahce)

Youssef En Nesyri will be leading the hosts from the front yet again. Even though the 28-year-old forward from Morocco failed to score a goal in his last match, En Nesyri scored one of the goals which led his side to a win against Feyenoord in their previous Champions League qualifying fixture.

Vangelis Pavlidis (Benfica)

Although Benfica secured an easy win, in the previous UCL qualifying round matches, Vangelis Pavlidis failed to score any goals for his side. This time around, the 26-year-old will be looking to step up, as the Portugal-based club are going to face a tough challenge. Pavlidis scored a goal for his side in the opening league game.

Match Facts

• Benfica are on a five-match winning streak.
• Fenerbahce are on a two-match unbeaten run.
• SL Benfica haven’t lost any of their last four games against Fenerbahce.

Fenerbahce vs Benfica: Betting Tips and Odds

• Match to end in a draw
• Youssef En Nesyri to score
• Goals under 2.5

Injury and Team News

Rodrigo Becao is injured and will not be in action for Fenerbahce.

Benfica will be without the services of Alexander Bah, Bruma and Manu Silva as they are injured. Tomas Araujo might also miss out due to a lack of fitness.

Head-to-Head

Total matches: 5

Fenerbahce won: 1

Benfica won: 3

Draws: 1

Predicted Lineups

Fenerbahce predicted lineup (3-4-1-2)

Egribayat (GK); Müldür, Skriniar, Oosterwolde; Semedo, Fred, Amrabat, Brown; Szymanski; Duran, En Nesyri

Benfica predicted lineup (4-4-2)

Trubin (GK); Dedic, Antonio Silva, Otamendi, Dahl; Aursnes, Rios, Barrenechea, Schjelderup; Ivanovic, Pavlidis

Match Prediction

These clubs are going to produce an intense fixture against each other. The first leg of the UEFA Champions League qualifier playoff round between Fenerbahce and Benfica is likely to end in a draw here.

Prediction: Fenerbahce 1-1 Benfica

Telecast Details

UK: TNT Sports 2, Discovery+

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