Benfica travel to Red Star Belgrade for their opening fixture in the UEFA Champions League. The Serbians have a poor record in the main competition and should find things difficult against Benfica, who are more experienced at this level.
Red Star Belgrade are enjoying a fine start to the season and are setting the pace in the Serbian Super Liga. They have won four of their last five matches and head into Thursday’s clash off the back of a 2-0 victory over Napredak in a domestic fixture last weekend.
While their solid start to the season will give them confidence, Red Star Belgrade’s Champions League record is quite disappointing. Vladan Milojevic’s men have won just once in their last 10 matches in the competition, stretching back to 2022. They claimed a 2-0 victory over Bodo/Glimt in their playoff second leg.
After suffering a defeat in their opening fixture in the Primeira Liga, Benfica appear to have found their rhythm. Bruno Lage’s men travel to Belgrade with three wins and a draw from their last four matches.
Benfica will be feeling confident heading into Thursday’s clash after claiming 4a 4-2 victory over Santa Clara. They had four different scorers, with Kerem Akturkoglu, Vangelis Pavlidis and Angel Di Maria among the goals.
How the bookies view it: Benfica to prevail
Benfica have been installed as overwhelming favourites among the bookies and are priced at 9/10 by Betfred to claim the win. A victory for Red Star Belgrade is valued at 3/1 while Betfred is also offering odds of 13/5 for a draw.
Head to head: First ever meeting
There are no previous meetings between Red Star Belgrade and Benfica.
Players to watch: Eyes on Pavlidis
Benfica have spread their goals across the team this season but Pavlidis is often the man tasked with leading the line. The Greek striker is priced at 5/4 by Betfred to get on the score sheet on Thursday.
Bruno Duarte has made a fine start to the season for Red Star Belgrade, scoring six goals across all competitions. The striker was on target in the win over Bodo/Glimt and is priced at 12/5 by Betfred to maintain his scoring run.
Probable line-ups
Red Star Belgrade have no injuries or suspensions and should start with Duarte leading the line. Peter Olayinka is also expected to feature in attack while Stefan Lekovic should continue at the back.
Pavlidis should lead the line once again for Benfica, with Akturkoglu and Di Maria also featuring in attack. Antonio Silva is expected to partner Nicolas Otamendi in the heart of the defence.
Red Star Belgrade: Glazer, Seol Young-Woo, Drkusic, Lekovic, Mimovic, Elsnik, Krunic, Olayinka, Ivanic, Katompa, Mvumpa
Benfica: Trubin, Bah, Otamendi, Silva, Fernandez, Kokcu, Florentino, Rollheiser, Di Maria, Akturkoglu, Pavlidis
Anything else catch the eye?
Red Star Belgrade and Benfica have quality in attack and both teams could be backed to score at 8/13 with Betfred. Over 2.5 goals is priced at 8/11 by Betfred, who is also offering odds of 7/4 for over 3.5 goals.
Given the quality in their attack, Benfica could be backed to score in both halves at 13/8 with Betfred.
This UEFA Champions League match between Red Star Belgrade and Benfica will be played on Sep 19, 2024 and kick off at 17:45. Check below for our tipsters best Red Star Belgrade vs Benfica prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
