
Last updated: October 13, 2025
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Nice host Benfica on August 6, 2025 , at the Allianz Riviera in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League qualifying semi-finals . With a spot in the playoff round on the line, both clubs will be desperate to take a first-leg advantage. Nice look to continue their impressive European push under Francesco Farioli, while Benfica enter this tie with greater continental pedigree and expectations of reaching the group stage once again. Tactical discipline, home pressure, and sharp finishing could prove decisive under the lights in the French Riviera.
Nice are defensively solid, organised in a 4-3-3 and notoriously hard to break down at home. Led by Todibo and Dante at the back, they prefer to play a possession-based style, building slowly through midfield with Thuram before releasing speed down the wings. Their biggest challenge will be converting possession into clear scoring chances.
Benfica, despite losing key players in recent transfer windows, still play high-intensity attacking football under Roger Schmidt. João Mário pulls the strings in midfield while Di María and Neres provide creativity out wide. They are comfortable pressing high and dominating the tempo, but are sometimes exposed on transitions, especially when both full-backs advance. Expect Benfica to try to control the game, with Nice staying compact and looking to counter.
Nice’s home form and defensive structure make them a stubborn opponent. Benfica will enjoy the majority of the ball but may find it hard to create openings in the first half. If Nice can frustrate early and then grow into the game, they will create opportunities through rapid wide attacks. Benfica’s European experience, however, often sees them find solutions late in matches. We expect a tight and tactical encounter, with neither side wanting to give too much away before the second leg in Lisbon. Predicted score: Nice 1 – 1 Benfica .
👉 Best Bet: Both Teams to Score – Yes Odds 1.90 (via CryptoCasino Sportsbook)
Both sides carry attacking threats and like to control the game with aggressive patterns of play. Benfica rarely keep clean sheets away from home in Europe, while Nice are strong enough to grab a goal but may struggle to shut out the Portuguese giants completely. At odds of 1.90 , Both Teams To Score is the smartest value play for the first leg.
These stats suggest we should expect goals from both teams in what is likely to be a nervy but open encounter in the south of France.
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