Benfica are looking to do the double over Dynamo Kiev when both teams meet in their UEFA Champions League playoff second leg. The Portuguese giants were comfortable in the first meeting and could be set for a similar result on Tuesday.
Benfica hold a solid advantage after claiming a 2-0 victory in last week’s first leg against Dynamo Kiev. They raced to a two-goal lead in the first half thanks to efforts from Gilberto and Goncalo Ramos and were able to hold on for the win.
That result is a pointer to how smooth Benfica’s campaign has gone so far as they have breezed through most of their fixtures. Roger Schmidt’s men are still maintaining a 100% record across all competitions this season.
Benfica’s fine start to the season has been driven by a solid defence that has kept three clean sheets in their last four matches across all competitions. However, they have lost none of their attacking verve, scoring two goals or more in each of their last three Champions League qualifiers.
Dynamo Kiev will be disappointed not to have put up a better challenge in last week’s first leg. They were second best for much of the encounter and despite creating a few chances and never really carried a significant threat.
The Ukrainians may be into the Champions League playoffs but their campaign has not been as smooth as Benfica’s. Mircea Lucescu’s men found it a bit difficult in the previous two rounds and were taken to extra-time before seeing off their opponents.
Dynamo Kiev’s overall form in recent weeks has been far from stellar having claimed just one regulation time win in their last eight matches across all competitions. They have been beaten four times in that run, failing to score in three of those defeats.
How the bookies view it
Benfica are considered overwhelming favourites among the bookies with a home win priced at 4/11 with BoyleSports. A victory for Dynamo Kiev is valued at 8/1 by SBK while a draw is set at odds of 19/5 by BetVictor.
Head to head
Benfica have never lost to Dynamo Kiev, claiming four wins and a draw from five previous meetings, including last week’s 2-0 victory.
Players to watch
Nicolas Otamendi and Morato have formed a solid central defensive partnership for Benfica, leading the Portuguese giants to three clean sheets in the last four matches across all competitions. Both men ate likely to continue at the back and will be confident of a similar outcome at 19/20 with William Hill.
Benfica are just as solid at the other end of the pitch with Goncalo Ramos, Rafael Silva and Roman Yaremchuk all impressing. They have scored two or more goals in all three of their Champions League matches and could be tipped to produce over 1.5 goals on Tuesday at 4/9 with Paddy Power.
Anything else catch the eye?
Benfica have not conceded a goal in five matches against Dynamo Kiev, claiming four wins to nil in that run. A similar outcome is priced at 5/4 with BetVictor and with the Portuguese side expected to be comfortable, a -1 handicap could also be considered at 21/20 with BetVictor.
Benfica have scored in both halves in their last two home matches and Tuesday’s clash could be tipped to follow a similar pattern at 6/5 with BetVictor.
This UEFA Champions League match between Benfica and Dynamo Kiev will be played on Aug 23, 2022 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Benfica vs Dynamo Kiev prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.