S L Benfica vs Qarabag, UEFA Champions League 2025-26, Today Match Prediction

S L Benfica vs Qarabag Match Prediction & Analysis

As the first week of Champions League football has almost started, two sides that have recently shown life to compete and develop into one of Europe’s top teams years down the line will face off for the first time ever. 

With Qarabag FK being the first ever Armenian team to make this tournament, their first matchup will be against a feisty Benfica side that played very competitive against top ranked opponents last time out. This intriguing match will take place on Wednesday, September 17th at 12:30 AM IST in Estadio De Luiz of Benfica, Portugal. 

TEAMS PREVIEW

S L Benfica Preview

With Benfica being the home side in this match, it is one if they win, their side will continue building on momentum. A group that has many different options for scoring, Vangelis Pavlidis leads the bunch as he’s scored once this season but shown to be a threat several times. 

Having had 7 goals last Champions League, he will be called upon during clutch situations as their main leader, while Fredrik Aursunes has also shown great ability with his one goal so far. Known more for passing, this is someone whose now up to 15 progressive passes in just three matches during Primeria Liga play. 

While getting help from Leonardo Barrerio, 1 assists and 6 progressive passes received so far this year. With both playing their game at an amazing pace which defenders struggle chasing down, Richard Rios has been a key defensive piece in the middle with 7 tackles. 

Not letting dribbles get past him and really controlling where they make runs, he has been a huge support for aging Nicholas Otamendi, who has still got juice left in him with 27 clearances thus far. Goalie Antaoily Trubin hasn’t been easy to shoot against this season as well. 

Benfica Probable Playing XI - Anatoily Trubin(GK), Samuel Dahl(D), Nicolas Otamendi(D), Antonio Silva(D), Amar Dedic(D), Andreas Schjelderup(MD), Richard Rios(MD), Leonardo Barreiro(MD), Enzo Barrenechea(MD), Fredrik Aursunes(MD), Vangelis Pavlidis(FW)

Qarabag Preview

Meanwhile, Qarabag FK officially make their debut in this tournament and hope to make their name known so they can keep becoming a fan favorite. A group from Armenia that have continued developing into one of the better clubs across Europe. 

Their forward in Leandro Andrade has been known for his passing strength and also amazing scoring ability. Already finishing three goals from the middle this season, he is the prototypical midfielder any side would love, while Nariman Akhundzade has slowly started following his style. 

Being a forward that loves open fields, he and Andrade connect several times which is why Akhundzade has already scored twice this season, while the midfielder has two assists. 

Abdellah Zoubir is another key passer in the middle that leads all team members with three assists and has become very loved for his dribbling skills plus creativity near middle areas. With Kevin Medina and Joni Montiel being extremely strong on the defensive end, goalie Matheus Kochalski should continue having top-notch saves. 

Qarabag FK Projected Playing XI -  Matheus Kochalski(GK), Matheus Silva(D), Kevin Medina(D), Samy Mmaee(D), Joni Montiel(MD), Abdellah Zoubir(MD), Leonardo Andrade(MD), Patrick Andrade(MD), Emmanuel Addai(FW), Nariman Akhundzade(FW), Musa Qurbanly(FW), Camilo Duran(FW)

S L BENFICA vs QARABAG
Winning Prediction

Benfica, a seasoned team in this tournament, is well-equipped to handle the pressure. With the consistent performance of players like Vangelis Pavlidis, their defenders are expected to effectively neutralize threats such as Leandro Andrade and Nariman Akhundzade. 

Benfica to Win (2-0)

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