Without a single point from their opening three fixtures of the Champions League league phase, Benfica welcome Bayer Leverkusen to Estadio da Luz on Wednesday evening, with the visitors also searching for their first victory of the campaign.
The Lisbon giants are second from bottom in the standings after suffering defeats to Qarabag (3-2), Chelsea (1-0), and most recently a 3-0 loss to Newcastle on matchday three.
However, results have been far more encouraging domestically for the Reds, who head into this encounter following a comfortable 3-0 triumph over Vitoria de Guimaraes.
Leverkusen, on the other hand, arrive in low spirits after a 3-0 defeat to Bayern Munich at the weekend. The Black and Reds have endured a stuttering start to their Champions League campaign, beginning with draws against Copenhagen (2-2) and PSV Eindhoven (1-1) before suffering a heavy 7-2 loss at the hands of European champions Paris Saint-Germain.
As a result, Kasper Hjulmand’s side find themselves near the foot of the league phase standings and will be looking to spark a turnaround when they take on Benfica in the Portuguese capital.
Read our Benfica vs Bayer Leverkusen predictions and preview to find out more, and remember to check our other UEFA Champions League predictions.
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Benfica vs Bayer Leverkusen prediction: Both sides aim to turn things around
Key stats:
- Leverkusen have conceded at least two goals in each of their last four Champions League away matches (D1, L3).
- Benfica have prevailed in two of their four previous meetings with the German outfit.
- The Reds have recorded victories in each of their last three home games, registering at least two goals in all.
- Leverkusen have both scored and conceded in all three of their continental outings this season.
Correct score prediction: Benfica 2-1 Bayer Leverkusen
Neither team has impressed in Europe so far, but Benfica appear better placed to claim maximum points given their domestic momentum. The Red’s superior record in head-to-head encounters also adds to their confidence as Jose Mourinho’s men prepare to face a Leverkusen side dealing with several notable absentees.
That said, this encounter promises to be a competitive affair, one that should see both sides find the net, considering their respective attacking strengths.
Pre-match analysis: Hosts have the edge
- HOME: 11/10 (2.10) – 47.6%
- DRAW: 5/2 (3.50) – 28.6%
- AWAY: 23/10 (3.30) – 30.3%
*Odds provided by Ladbrokes. Subject to change*
The odds suggest that the hosts are narrow favourites to secure all three points. Benfica have been given a 47.6% probability of winning, while Leverkusen’s 30.3% chance shows they are not without hope, even if the task ahead looks demanding.
Our hot tip of more goals in the second half is priced at 2.05, offering solid value given Benfica’s recent tendency to strike more after the break.
Most recent H2H: The Reds winless in the last two
The most recent meeting between the two sides ended goalless at Da Luz during the 2014-15 Champions League group stage, with the Portuguese outfit losing the reverse fixture in Germany.
Benfica preview: Fredrik Aursnes set to continue makeshift defensive duty
Benfica remain without the injured quartet of Alexander Bah, Manu Silva, Bruma, and Amar Dedic. Fredrik Aursnes, who has been impressive in an improvised right-back role, is expected to retain his place in defence in the absence of Dedic.
Predicted XI: Trubin (GK), Aursnes, Otamendi, T. Araujo, Dahl, Barrenechea, Rios, Schjelderup, Sudakov, Lukebakio & Pavlidis
Benfica’s last five results:
- 01/11/25: Vitoria Guimaraes 0-3 Benfica (W)
- 29/10/25: Benfica 3-0 Tondela (W)
- 25/10/25: Benfica 5-0 Arouca (W)
- 21/10/25: Newcastle 3-0 Benfica (L)
- 17/10/25: Chaves 0-2 Benfica (W)
Leverkusen preview: Key player suspended amid injury woes
Leverkusen are contending with several injury problems, with Exequiel Palacios, Lucas Vázquez, Axel Tape, Equi Fernandez, and Nathan Tella all ruled out.
The German side will also be without Robert Andrich, who is suspended after being sent off in their last Champions League match.
Predicted XI: Flekken (GK), Tapsoba, Balde, Quansah, Grimaldo, Garcia, Echeverri, Arthur, Poku, Kofane & Schick
Leverkusen’s last five results:
- 01/11/25: Bayern Munich 3-0 Bayer Leverkusen (L)
- 29/10/25: Paderborn 2-4 Bayer Leverkusen (W)
- 26/10/25: Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 Freiburg (W)
- 21/10/25: Bayer Leverkusen 2-7 PSG (L)
- 18/10/25: Mainz 3-4 Bayer Leverkusen (W)
Player to watch: Vangelis Pavlidis
Da Luz has been a happy hunting ground for Vangelis Pavlidis on Champions League nights, with the Greek forward having found the net five times in his last four appearances in the competition and will be eager to maintain that impressive streak as Benfica aim to reignite their European journey.