Fenerbahce meet Benfica in Istanbul for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League play-off on August 20, 2025. This huge game sees Jose Mourinho’s side fight for a spot in the group stage against a strong Benfica team.
Benfica have been scoring lots of goals in their recent games. Fenerbahce, with their loud home fans, hope to keep their strong record in European matches at home.
Team News
Fenerbahce will miss Rodrigo Becao, out with a knee injury, and Cengiz Under, not allowed to play in qualifiers. New players Milan Skriniar and Archie Brown should start, adding strength to the backline.
Benfica are without Bruma, banned for a red card against Nice, while Alexander Bah and Manu Silva are hurt. Franjo Ivanovic and Richard Rios might play their first games in attack and midfield.
Mert Muldur is also doubtful for Fenerbahce after picking up a minor ankle issue in training. If he’s unfit, Mert Hakan Yandas could step in at right-back to cover.
Benfica’s defense will rely on Nicolas Otamendi to lead, as he’s their most experienced player. Youngster Antonio Silva might pair with him, but he needs to stay focused against Fenerbahce’s quick forwards.
Recent Form
Fenerbahce fought back to beat Feyenoord 5-2 in their last qualifier, winning 6-4 overall, with Archie Brown scoring and setting up two goals. They started their league with a 0-0 draw against Goztepe.
Benfica crushed Nice 4-0 over two legs, with Franjo Ivanovic and Florentino scoring in the first game. They also won the Portuguese Super Cup 1-0 against Sporting, thanks to Vangelis Pavlidis’ goal.
Jose Mourinho’s team showed great spirit in their Feyenoord win, with Jhon Duran and Youssef En-Nesyri finding the net. Their attack looks sharp, but they struggled to create chances against Goztepe.
Benfica’s perfect start includes four wins without letting in a goal. Their fast, attacking style, led by Andreas Schjelderup and Pavlidis, has been tough for opponents to stop.
Key Battles
Jhon Duran, Fenerbahce’s strong striker who scores with power, will face Benfica’s Nicolas Otamendi, a tough and smart defender. Duran’s strength might give him a chance to break through Otamendi’s solid defending.
Fenerbahce’s midfielder, Fred who never stops running, will take on Benfica’s Richard Rios, a clever passer. Fred’s energy could block Rios’ attempts to set up Benfica’s attacks.
Then Fenerbahce’s foward Youssef En-Nesyri, will be a challenge to Benfica’s Samuel Dahl, a speedy left-back. En-Nesyri’s smart runs could pull Dahl out of position if he’s not careful.
Sebastian Szymanski, Fenerbahce’s creative midfielder with great vision, will test Benfica’s Florentino, a strong tackler. Szymanski’s clever passes could open up space, but Florentino’s tight marking might stop him.
Andreas Schjelderup, Benfica’s tricky winger with fast dribbling, will go up against Fenerbahce’s Mert Muldur, a steady right-back. Schjelderup’s skill could cause problems if Muldur loses focus.
Possible Lineups
Fenerbahce (3-4-1-2): Egribayat; Oosterwolde, Skriniar, Muldur; Semedo, Fred, Amrabat, Brown; Szymanski; Duran, En-Nesyri
Benfica (4-4-2): Trubin; Dedic, Silva, Otamendi, Dahl; Aursnes, Rios, Barrenechea, Schjelderup; Pavlidis, Ivanovic
Softfootball Prediction
Fenerbahce’s strong attack, led by Duran and En-Nesyri, works well at home, but their defense sometimes lets them down. Benfica’s quick forwards, like Pavlidis, can punish any mistakes.
Mourinho’s team will push hard for a win, but Benfica’s experience in big European games might keep things close. Both sides are likely to score in this tight match.
Fenerbahce play Adana Demirspor next, while Benfica face Estrela. The second leg in Lisbon will decide who moves on.
Prediction: Fenerbahce 1-1 Benfica
