Benfica aim to close a huge gap to the Primeira Liga summit as they travel to Tondela for a matchday 20 clash at Estadio Joao Cardoso on Sunday.
Jose Mourinho’s side sit third in the league standings, 10 points behind leaders Porto and three adrift of Sporting Lisbon, while the hosts occupy second-bottom, five points shy of safety.
Our Tondela vs Benfica prediction provides a clear outlook on the contest, with additional Primeira Liga betting tips included.
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Tondela vs Benfica prediction: Eagles to reign supreme
Key stats:
- Benfica have won seven of their nine away league games this season.
- Tondela have lost six of their last seven matches (W1).
- The Green and Gold have failed to score in each of their last three games.
- Only one side or none has scored in 16 of Benfica’s 20 away outings this season.
Correct score prediction: Tondela 0–3 Benfica
Beyond the clear quality gap, momentum is firmly on Benfica’s side following their dramatic midweek victory over Real Madrid, which secured their place in the Champions League knockout playoffs.
In the Primeira Liga, the Eagles have won three consecutive matches, averaging three goals per game, with the last two clean sheets reinforcing the likelihood of a comfortable win against a Tondela side coming off a 3–0 defeat at Famalicao.
Pre-match odds and win probability: Eagles heavily backed
- HOME: 10/1 (11.00) – 8.3%
- DRAW: 5/1 (6.00) – 14.3%
- AWAY: 1/4 (1.25) – 77.8%
*Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and subject to change.
Benfica are overwhelming favourites, with a 77.8% probability of victory, while Tondela’s 8.3% likelihood of winning and the draw at 14.3% leave very little room for an upset.
Most recent H2H: Third meeting this season
Benfica and Tondela have met twice already this season — once in the league and once in the domestic cup — both ending in 3–0 victories for the Eagles, meaning they have now won nine of the last 10 meetings.
Portugal League Cup 29/10/25
Benfica
Tondela
Portugal Primeira Liga 23/08/25
Benfica
Tondela
Portugal Primeira Liga 07/02/22
Tondela
Benfica
Portugal Primeira Liga 29/08/21
Benfica
Tondela
Portugal Primeira Liga 30/04/21
Tondela
Benfica
Tondela preview: Key defender returns
Tondela could again be without Ivan Cavaleiro, who has been unavailable for the last three outings, while Rony Lopes may miss a fifth straight game.
Defender Bryan Medina returns after serving a suspension last time out for accumulation of bookings.
Predicted XI: Bernardo (GK), Bebeto, Medina, Marques, Conceicao, Sithole, Clebinho, Maviram, Felix, Maranhao & Aiko
Tondela’s last five results:
- 25/01/26: Famalicão 3–0 Tondela (L)
- 18/01/26: Tondela 0–1 Braga (L)
- 11/01/26: Moreirense 1–0 Tondela (L)
- 03/01/26: Tondela 3–1 Arouca (W)
- 21/12/25: Tondela 1–2 Casa Pia (L)
Benfica preview: Winter signing pushes for debut
Benfica remain without Alexander Bah (knee), Samuel Soares (muscle), Dodi Lukebakio (ankle), Henrique Araujo (muscle) and Richard Rios as they recover from injuries.
January signing Rafa Silva made his first appearance off the bench against Estrela last week and will push for his league debut.
Vangelis Pavlidis failed to score in midweek but netted a brace last weekend, bringing his Primeira Liga tally to 19 goals and keeping him at the top of the scoring charts.
Predicted XI: Trubin (GK), Dedic, Araujo, Otamendi, Dahl, Aursnes, Manu, L. Cabral, Barreiro, Sudakov & Pavlidis
Benfica’s last five results:
- 28/01/26: Benfica 4–2 Real Madrid (W)
- 25/01/26: Benfica 4–0 Estrela (W)
- 21/01/26: Juventus 2–0 Benfica (L)
- 17/01/26: Rio Ave 0–2 Benfica (W)
- 14/01/26: FC Porto 1–0 Benfica (L)
Player to watch: Sidny Lopes Cabral
Sidny Lopes Cabral scored on his debut against former club Estrela last weekend, adding an assist. The versatile winger will be one to watch if he can carry that momentum into this game.