On September 19, 2024, the UEFA Champions League presents us an interesting collision between two former European champions, Benfica and Crvena Zvezda. The much awaited game will take place at Belgrade’s Stadion Rajko Mitić; the kick-off is set for 16:45. Michael Oliver from England will oversee this contest as the referee. The game signals the start of the group stage in the tournament, thus both teams will be keen to start strong.
While Benfica, following as runners-up in the 2023/24 Liga Portugal, are looking to make an impact under their new manager, Bruno Lage, Crvena Zvezda, Serbian SuperLiga champions, are not unfamiliar with European competition. Given both teams have a rich European past, this game looks to be an interesting struggle. Will Crvena Zvezda keep their flawless home record against Portuguese opposition, or will Benfica challenge their supremacy?
Betting Tips and Match Insights
Focusing on each team’s recent performance and head-to-head history will help one make a prediction for Crvena Zvezda against Benfica today. Having defeated Bodø/Glimt in the playoff round, Crvena Zvezda arrives to this game confident knowing he will be on the group stage. Benfica has been in mixed form, however under Bruno Lage they shown tenacity and won their last game rather convincingly.
Based on the team’s performance, Benfica has had difficulties in the Primeira Liga this season while the home side is performing rather well in the Serbian SuperLiga. Crvena Zvezda’s never lost at home to Portuguese opposition gives this Crvena Zvezda vs Benfica match prediction an intriguing twist. Given both sides will have strengths and shortcomings, this game will probably be a close call.
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Crvena Zvezda Results
Crvena Zvezda has been in solid form in both domestic and European competitions, which bodes well for their chances in this match. Here are their last five results:
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | Outcome |
| 14/09/24 | SuperLiga | Crvena Zvezda vs Napredak | 2-0 | W |
| 01/09/24 | SuperLiga | Radnicki 1923 vs Crvena Zvezda | 0-1 | W |
| 28/08/24 | Champions League | Crvena Zvezda vs Bodø/Glimt | 2-0 | W |
| 20/08/24 | Champions League | Bodø/Glimt vs Crvena Zvezda | 2-1 | L |
| 15/08/24 | SuperLiga | Cukaricki vs Crvena Zvezda | 1-4 | W |
Recording clean sheets in their last two SuperLiga games, Crvena Zvezda has been consistent both at home and in the league. Their 2-0 triumph over Bodø/Glimt confirmed their place in the Champions League group stage and proved their under pressure performance capacity. The team’s defense has been strong, and from their key player Bruno Duarte especially, the attack has been delivered as needed.
Benfica Results
Benfica, under the guidance of new coach Bruno Lage, has been striving to regain form after a few disappointing matches. Here are their last five results:
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | Outcome |
| 14/09/24 | Primeira Liga | Benfica vs Santa Clara | 4-1 | W |
| 30/08/24 | Primeira Liga | Moreirense vs Benfica | 1-1 | D |
| 24/08/24 | Primeira Liga | Benfica vs Estrela | 1-0 | W |
| 17/08/24 | Primeira Liga | Benfica vs Casa Pia | 3-0 | W |
| 11/08/24 | Primeira Liga | Famalicao vs Benfica | 2-0 | L |
In their most recent games, Benfica has improved; particularly with the 4-1 triumph against Santa Clara, which gave the team confidence. Their inconsistency earlier in the season, especially in away games, has caused questions though. Having a mixed record in draws and wins, the team must keep momentum to defeat Crvena Zvezda in a demanding away game.
Crvena Zvezda vs Benfica Head-to-Head
The last time these two teams met was in the 1984 European Cup. Here’s a look at their recent head-to-head matchups:
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result |
| 03/10/84 | European Cup | Benfica vs Crvena Zvezda | 2-0 |
| 19/09/84 | European Cup | Crvena Zvezda vs Benfica | 3-2 |
With their last meeting being over 40 years ago, there isn’t much recent data to evaluate. However, it’s worth noting that Crvena Zvezda secured a 3-2 win at home in 1984, while Benfica claimed victory in the reverse fixture. Historically, these two teams are evenly matched in terms of head-to-head encounters.
Crvena Zvezda Predicted Lineup
Crvena Zvezda will likely field a strong and balanced lineup as they look to capitalize on their home advantage in this Champions League clash. Here is their expected starting eleven, which features a mix of experienced and in-form players.
Glazer (GK), Mimovic (DF), Djiga (DF), Spajic (DF), Seol (DF), Krunic (MF), Elsnik (MF), Ivanic (MF), Silas (FW) Olayinka (FW), Duarte (FW)
Benfica Predicted Lineup
Benfica, under the leadership of new manager Bruno Lage, will be eager to continue their positive momentum with a lineup that blends defensive stability and attacking flair. Here is the anticipated starting eleven for their match against Crvena Zvezda.
Trubin (GK), Bah (DF), Silva (DF), Otamendi (DF), Carreras (DF), Florentino (MF), Kokcu (MF), Di Maria (FW), Rollheiser (FW), Akturkoglu (FW), Pavlidis (FW)
INJURED AND QUESTIONABLE PLAYERS
Injuries and fitness concerns can heavily influence the outcome of a match, and this section covers players from both teams who are confirmed to miss the game or are questionable due to injuries.
| Team | Player | Reason |
| Crvena Zvezda | Lucic V. | Knee Injury |
| Benfica | Gouveia T. | Shoulder Injury |
Questionable
| Team | Player | Reason |
| Benfica | Aursnes F. | Muscle Injury |
| Benfica | Sanches R. | Muscle Injury |
Injuries could have a significant impact on both teams’ tactics, particularly for Benfica, which may miss key players like Renato Sanches and Fredrik Aursnes. Crvena Zvezda, on the other hand, will be without Lucic, who is sidelined with a knee injury.
Key Factors to Watch
When analyzing this Crvena Zvezda vs Benfica prediction 2024, several key factors must be considered. Both teams have had ups and downs recently, and their performance will depend on multiple variables:
- Crvena Zvezda’s home record: They remain unbeaten against Portuguese opposition at home;
- Benfica’s recent form: New coach Bruno Lage has brought fresh energy to the team;
- Injury concerns: Benfica will miss Renato Sanches, Fredrik Aursnes, and Tiago Gouveia;
- Crvena Zvezda’s attacking power: Bruno Duarte has been a standout performer;
- Benfica’s defensive vulnerability in away games;
- Crvena Zvezda’s UCL struggles: They’ve conceded at least two goals in four of their last five UCL home matches;
- Benfica’s inconsistent start in the Primeira Liga;
- Pressure on both teams to get off to a strong start in the group stage.
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Free Tips on Crvena Zvezda vs Benfica
Examining the forthcoming clash between Crvena Zvezda and Benfica requires one to take several elements influencing the result of the game into account. Although both teams have a rich European past, the present form, head-to-head stats, and particular match day policies will be quite important. Below are some crucial tips, based on the analysis of previous meetings, player form, and external factors, to help guide your betting decisions for this Champions League encounter.
- Team Form and Momentum: Crvena Zvezda is on a solid run in the Serbian SuperLiga, having won six of their first seven matches. On the other hand, Benfica has struggled with consistency in the early stages of their domestic league. Teams on a winning streak, like Crvena Zvezda, tend to perform with greater confidence, making their home advantage even more potent.
- Head-to-Head Statistics: Though the teams haven’t met recently, historical encounters, including their dramatic European Cup matchup in the 1980s, show that Crvena Zvezda can challenge Benfica, especially on home turf. While these results are from decades ago, the psychological advantage of never losing to Portuguese teams at home still lingers.
- Weather and Pitch Conditions: Playing in Belgrade’s intense atmosphere can be challenging, and the weather conditions on match day may further influence the game. Crvena Zvezda’s players are accustomed to their home pitch, and if the weather impacts the surface, it could disrupt Benfica’s passing game, favoring a more physical approach.
- Managerial Changes and Team Tactics: Benfica’s recent change in management, with Bruno Lage taking charge, can bring unpredictability. While the team won their last match under Lage, it’s important to consider how well the squad has adapted to new tactics, especially in high-pressure games like this.
- Upcoming Fixtures and Rotation: Both teams have busy schedules in both domestic leagues and Europe. Benfica, in particular, might be tempted to rotate players to manage their workload, potentially giving Crvena Zvezda an edge with a more settled squad.
By considering these insights and the match-specific factors, you can make more informed decisions for your bets on the Crvena Zvezda vs Benfica game.
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Crvena Zvezda vs Benfica Match Prediction 2024
Based on the Crvena Zvezda against Benfica odds, this game is probably going to be a close-call. Given Bruno Duarte leading the attack, Crvena Zvezda’s home advantage and strong form in the Serbian SuperLiga provide them a fighting chance. Benfica is rather favored, though, because of their experience in European contests and their fresh momentum under Bruno Lage.
Taking into account both teams’ form and the pressure to start the Champions League campaign positively, we predict a closely fought game, likely ending in a draw or a narrow win for Benfica.
Our Prediction: Crvena Zvezda 1-1 Benfica
| Prediction Type | Prediction | Odds |
| Match Result | Draw | 3.7 |
| Total Goals | Under 2.5 Goals | 2.08 |
| Both Teams to Score | Yes | 1.65 |
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