The UEFA Champions League playoff round first leg ignites as Fenerbahce host Benfica at Ulker Stadium Şükrü Saracoğlu on August 20, 2025, with both teams vying for a coveted group stage spot. Fenerbahce’s home prowess meets Benfica’s European pedigree, promising a thrilling clash in Istanbul.
Scheduled for 19:00 GMT+0 on August 20, 2025, at the 50,530-capacity Ulker Stadium Şükrü Saracoğlu, this Champions League playoff first-leg match will be officiated by Daniel Siebert from Germany. Fenerbahce, under José Mourinho, aim to leverage their home advantage, while Benfica, led by Bruno Lage, look to extend their perfect start.
Champions League Playoff Preview for Fenerbahce vs Benfica August 20, 2025
As the UEFA Champions League playoff round begins, Fenerbahce host Benfica at Ulker Stadium Şükrü Saracoğlu, aiming to leverage their home strength to gain an edge in this crucial first leg. Benfica’s perfect start and European pedigree set the stage for a thrilling battle for a group stage spot.
[statsfc-table key=”VYAX6i45amW5R5Z5MavnepM5vb4GC7S2mSDCdFRI” competition=”UCL”]Betting Tips and Match Insights
Get set for the Fenerbahce vs Benfica prediction today with our expert breakdown. Fenerbahce’s attacking flair meets Benfica’s defensive solidity, setting up a competitive clash. Benfica’s historical edge, winning three of four competitive meetings, adds intrigue. Recent performances and head-to-head stats provide critical clues for your bets. Let’s unpack the numbers for your Fenerbahce vs Benfica betting tips.
Fenerbahce Results
Fenerbahce, under José Mourinho, showed attacking potency in their Champions League qualifiers but struggled in their league opener. Their home strength is a key asset. Here’s a look at their last five matches across all competitions.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | Outcome |
| 16/08/25 | SL | Goztepe vs Fenerbahce | 0-0 | D |
| 12/08/25 | CL | Fenerbahce vs Feyenoord | 5-2 | W |
| 06/08/25 | CL | Feyenoord vs Fenerbahce | 2-1 | L |
| 30/07/25 | CF | Fenerbahce vs Lazio | 1-0 | W |
| 26/07/25 | CF | Benfica vs Fenerbahce | 3-2 | L |
Fenerbahce’s form shows two wins, one draw, and two losses, averaging 2.2 goals per game, with a 5-2 win over Feyenoard showcasing Youssef En-Nesyri’s two goals. Their 0-0 draw with Goztepe, with one shot on target, exposed attacking struggles, conceding 0.8 goals per game. Home form, with five consecutive wins, is a strength. Their 80% over 2.5 goals rate suggests attacking intent. New signing Archie Brown’s two assists against Feyenoord add flair.
Benfica Results
Benfica, under Bruno Lage, have started the season perfectly, winning all four competitive matches with clean sheets. Their attacking depth and defensive solidity are key. Here’s their last five matches across all competitions.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | Outcome |
| 16/08/25 | LP | Estrela vs Benfica | 0-1 | W |
| 12/08/25 | CL | Benfica vs Nice | 2-0 | W |
| 06/08/25 | CL | Nice vs Benfica | 0-2 | W |
| 31/07/25 | SC | Sporting CP vs Benfica | 0-1 | W |
| 26/07/25 | CF | Benfica vs Fenerbahce | 3-2 | W |
Benfica’s form shows five wins, averaging 2.2 goals per game, with a 2-0 win over Nice highlighting Vangelis Pavlidis’s scoring. Their clean sheet streak, conceding 0 goals, is a major strength. Away form, with 11 unbeaten games, is robust. Their 60% over 2.5 goals rate suggests attacking potential. Pavlidis’s two goals this season are crucial.
Fenerbahce vs Benfica Head-to-Head
Benfica have historically edged Fenerbahce, winning three of their last four competitive meetings, though Fenerbahce secured a win in 2013. Their games often produce goals, with three of four seeing both teams score. Here’s a look at their last five head-to-head results, including a recent friendly.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result |
| 26/07/25 | CF | Benfica vs Fenerbahce | 3-2 |
| 14/08/18 | CL | Fenerbahce vs Benfica | 1-1 |
| 07/08/18 | CL | Benfica vs Fenerbahce | 1-0 |
| 02/05/13 | EL | Benfica vs Fenerbahce | 3-1 |
| 25/04/13 | EL | Fenerbahce vs Benfica | 1-0 |
Benfica’s three wins to Fenerbahce’s one, with one draw, show their edge, averaging 2.4 goals per game. Fenerbahce’s 1-0 home win in 2013 and recent 3-2 friendly loss suggest competitiveness. Expect a tight, goal-heavy clash at Ulker Stadium.
Predicted Starting Lineups for Fenerbahce vs Benfica
The UEFA Champions League playoff round first-leg clash on August 20, 2025, at Ulker Stadium Şükrü Saracoğlu will see Fenerbahce and Benfica field their strongest available squads, with these predicted lineups showcasing their tactical approaches. Fenerbahce aim to leverage their home advantage, while Benfica rely on their unbeaten run to secure an edge. Below are the expected starting XIs, with player positions based on the latest team news.
Fenerbahce Predicted Lineup
Egribayat (GK), Skriniar (DF), Akcicek (DF), Oosterwolde (DF), Semedo (MF), Fred (MF), Amrabat (MF), Brown (MF), Szymanski (AM), Duran (AM), En Nesyri (FW)
Benfica Predicted Lineup
Trubin (GK), Dedic (DF), Silva (DF), Otamendi (DF), Dahl (DF), Aursnes (MF), Barreiro (MF), Barrenechea (MF), Schjelderup (MF), Ivanovic (FW), Pavlidis (FW)
Injured and Questionable Players
Fenerbahce and Benfica face challenges with key players sidelined for their August 20, 2025, Champions League playoff matchup, potentially altering the game’s dynamics. Injuries and other absences force both managers to adapt their lineups. The table below lists unavailable players, excluding those in the predicted lineups, with their full names and reasons for absence.
| Team | Player | Reason |
| Fenerbahce | Diego Carlos | Inactive |
| Fenerbahce | Mert Müldür | Shoulder Injury |
| Fenerbahce | Rodrigo Becão | Knee Injury |
| Fenerbahce | Mert Yandaş | Knock |
| Benfica | Alexander Bah | Knee Injury |
| Benfica | Bruma | Achilles Tendon Injury |
| Benfica | Nuno Félix | Injury |
| Benfica | Manu Silva | Knee Injury |
| Benfica | Renato Rios | Injury |
Key Factors to Watch
To craft a precise Fenerbahce vs Benfica match prediction, focus on the elements that could sway this Champions League playoff. Injuries, form, and tactical battles will shape the outcome at Ulker Stadium Şükrü Saracoğlu. Here are eight critical points to consider.
- Fenerbahce’s Youssef En-Nesyri scored twice against Feyenoard;
- Benfica’s Vangelis Pavlidis has two goals this season;
- Fenerbahce’s Rodrigo Becao is out with a knee injury;
- Benfica’s clean sheet streak spans four games;
- Fenerbahce won five consecutive home games;
- Benfica’s Alexander Bah is sidelined with an injury;
- Fenerbahce’s Archie Brown provided two assists;
- Benfica conceded in three of four head-to-heads.
Free Tips on Fenerbahce vs Benfica
To place smart bets on the Fenerbahce vs Benfica Champions League playoff clash, rely on the stats from their recent performances and Benfica’s historical edge in head-to-head encounters. This August 20, 2025, first-leg matchup at Ulker Stadium Şükrü Saracoğlu pits Fenerbahce’s home strength against Benfica’s unbeaten run. Here are five betting tips, drawn from statistical insights, to guide your wagers.
- Examine Head-to-Head Trends: Three of four competitive meetings saw both teams score, with 75% over 2.5 goals; consider betting on over 2.5 goals for value.
- Check Ulker Stadium’s Pitch Conditions: The natural grass, if rain-affected, could slow Benfica’s counters, favoring Fenerbahce’s possession play; monitor weather updates.
- Factor in Home Fan Influence: Fenerbahce’s passionate crowd can spark early aggression; bets on a first-half Fenerbahce goal hold potential.
- Assess Benfica’s Away Form: Benfica are unbeaten in 11 away games; they may challenge Fenerbahce’s defense with possession.
- Evaluate Referee Daniel Siebert’s Style: Known for strict officiating, Siebert may issue cards in this intense tie; explore prop bets on bookings.
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Fenerbahce vs Benfica Prediction 2025
For the Fenerbahce vs Benfica prediction 2025, I’m backing a 1-1 draw. Fenerbahce’s home strength, with five consecutive wins and a 5-2 rout of Feyenoard led by Youssef En-Nesyri, gives them confidence, but their 0-0 draw with Goztepe and 0.8 goals conceded per game show vulnerabilities. Benfica’s perfect start, with four wins and no goals conceded, led by Vangelis Pavlidis, and their 11-game unbeaten away streak make them formidable, but three of four head-to-heads saw both teams score. The Fenerbahce vs Benfica odds, with Fenerbahce at 2.61 and Benfica at 2.60, reflect a tight contest. Benfica’s injury list, including Alexander Bah, and Fenerbahce’s missing Rodrigo Becao, levels the playing field. Both teams’ 60-80% over 2.5 goals rate and 75% BTTS in head-to-heads suggest goals. Fenerbahce’s hostile Ulker Stadium atmosphere, under José Mourinho, balances Benfica’s defensive solidity, pointing to a high-stakes draw in this first leg.
Our Prediction: Fenerbahce 1-1 Benfica
| Prediction Type | Prediction | Odds |
| Match Result | Draw | 3.65 |
| Both Teams to Score | Yes | 1.54 |
| Total Goals | Over 2.5 | 1.63 |
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