Estadio da Luz will host Benfica vs Bologna on Wednesday, 11 December, as both teams contend with each other for three valuable points. View our free predictions for this UEFA Champions League match below.
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Benfica vs Bologna predictions: Hosts to reign supreme
Key stats
- Benfica have won five matches in a row across all competitions.
- Bologna have lost four consecutive UEFA Champions League games.
- Benfica kept four clean sheets in their last five matches at Estadio da Luz.
- Bologna failed to score in four of five Champions League games this season.
Correct score prediction: Benfica 2-0 Bologna
Benfica have won five consecutive home games, keeping four clean sheets in the process. Given that Bologna have blanked in four out of five games in this tournament, we are confident that Benfica will win without conceding.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Benfica are clear favourites
- HOME: 3/5 (1.60) – 62.5%
- DRAW: 16/5 (4.20) – 23.8%
- AWAY: 17/4 (5.25) – 19%
*Odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
While this is Bologna's first appearance in the UEFA Champions League for the first time since the 1964/65 season, their campaign has not gone as well as they had hoped. The Serie A outfit are still hunting for their first win of the season. In five games, they have earned only one draw while suffering four defeats.
By comparison, Benfica have fared much better than their visitors. They have won three out of five group games and are in the hunt for a top-eight spot.
With that in mind, it is unsurprising that Benfica are the expected winners at 3/5 (1.60). Teams with these odds usually have a 62.5% probability of winning.
Don’t forget to check out more of our best betting tips and predictions after you’ve dissected our Benfica vs Bologna predictions.
Interestingly, Bologna have scored only once in five Champions League games so far. Keeping in mind that Benfica did not concede in four of their last five home games, BTTS – No has an appealing look at 19/20 (1.95). That one has a 51.3% chance of landing.
Most recent H2Hs: First encounter in history
Benfica and Bologna will square off against each other for the first time on Wednesday. However, it is fair to point out that Benfica have a 13-7-20 win-draw-loss record in 40 previous clashes with Italian teams, while Bologna have a 2-1-1 record in four meetings with Portuguese opposition.
Benfica preview: Looking to extend their winning streak
Midfielders Renato Sanches and Tiago Gouveia both have fitness concerns ahead of this game. It is very unlikely they will get any minutes of action on Wednesday.
Predicted lineup: Trubin (GK), Bah, Araujo, Otamendi, Carreras, Aursnes, Luis, Barreiro, Di Maria, Pavlidis & Akturkoglu.
Portugal Primeira Liga 10/05/25
D
Sporting
1
Benfica
1
Portugal Primeira Liga 03/05/25
W
Estoril
1
Benfica
2
Portugal Primeira Liga 27/04/25
W
AVS
0
Benfica
6
Portugal Cup 23/04/25
W
FC Tirsense
0
Benfica
4
Portugal Primeira Liga 19/04/25
W
Guimaraes
0
Benfica
3
Bologna preview: Eyeing their first win of the season
Bologna are expected to be without Oussama El Azzouzi, Michel Aebischer, Riccardo Orsolini and Nicolo Cambiaghi due to injury problems.
Predicted lineup: Skorupski (GK), Miranda, Lucumi, Beukema, Holm, Freuler, Pobega, Dominguez, Odgaard, Ndoye & Castro.
Italy Serie A 09/05/25
L
AC Milan
3
Bologna
1
Italy Serie A 04/05/25
D
Juventus
1
Bologna
1
Italy Serie A 28/04/25
D
Udinese
0
Bologna
0
Coppa Italia 24/04/25
W
Empoli
1
Bologna
2
Italy Serie A 20/04/25
W
Inter Milan
0
Bologna
1
Player to watch: Angel Di Maria
Angel Di Maria has been nothing short of impressive for Benfica in recent weeks. The Argentine player has scored six times while providing three assists in his last five appearances across all competitions. He will fancy his chances against Bologna.