The UEFA Champions League third qualifying round brings an intriguing clash between Nice and Benfica, set to take place on August 6, 2025, at 19:00 GMT+0 at the Red Bull Arena in Salzburg, with a capacity of 30,188. Serbian referee Srđan Jovanović will officiate this pivotal match, where both teams aim to secure a spot closer to the prestigious league phase of Europe’s top club competition.
Nice, entering directly into this round after a fourth-placed finish in Ligue 1, are yet to play a competitive match this season but showed promise last term with a strong finish, including a notable victory over PSG. Benfica, on the other hand, have already kicked off their competitive campaign with a 1-0 win in the Portuguese Super Cup and an impressive run in the FIFA Club World Cup, making them a formidable opponent with recent European pedigree.
Betting Tips and Match Insights
The Nice vs Benfica prediction today hinges on analyzing recent performances and historical encounters to provide actionable insights. Both teams bring distinct strengths, with Nice relying on home support and Benfica boasting match sharpness. The following sections delve into their latest results and head-to-head records to inform betting decisions. Understanding form, key players, and tactical approaches will be crucial for anticipating the outcome. This Nice vs Benfica betting tips guide aims to equip readers with the data needed for informed wagers.
Nice Results
Nice concluded their Ligue 1 campaign with a strong run, securing a spot in this qualifying round. Their pre-season friendlies have shown mixed results but highlighted their attacking potential. The table below summarizes their last five matches across all competitions.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | Outcome |
| 30/07/25 | Friendly | Nice vs Sheffield Utd | 3-2 | W |
| 26/07/25 | Friendly | St. Pauli vs Nice | 2-0 | L |
| 26/07/25 | Friendly | Feyenoord vs Nice | 1-2 | W |
| 19/07/25 | Friendly | Nice vs Nancy | 3-3 | D |
| 16/07/25 | Friendly | Nice vs Aubagne | 3-0 | W |
Nice’s pre-season form shows three wins, one draw, and one loss, with a tendency for high-scoring games, as four of five matches saw both teams score. Their 3-1 win over PSG last season underscores their ability to challenge elite teams at home. However, the loss to St. Pauli suggests defensive vulnerabilities against disciplined sides. Terem Moffi’s goal-scoring form in friendlies (three goals in four UEFA games) will be key. Home advantage at the Red Bull Arena could boost their confidence.
Benfica Results
Benfica have already played competitive matches this season, including a Super Cup triumph. Their FIFA Club World Cup campaign showcased resilience, with wins over Bayern Munich and Auckland City. The table below details their last five matches.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | Outcome |
| 31/07/25 | Super Cup | Sporting CP vs Benfica | 0-1 | W |
| 26/07/25 | Friendly | Benfica vs Fenerbahce | 3-2 | W |
| 28/06/25 | Club World Cup | Benfica vs Chelsea | 1-4 (AET) | L |
| 24/06/25 | Club World Cup | Benfica vs Bayern Munich | 1-0 | W |
| 20/06/25 | Club World Cup | Benfica vs Auckland City | 6-0 | W |
Benfica’s unbeaten run in regulation time across their last 18 matches (W12, D6) highlights their consistency. Their ability to score in all 20 recent fixtures, led by Vangelis Pavlidis’s six goals in six UCL games, makes them a potent threat. The loss to Chelsea after extra time in the Club World Cup shows resilience under pressure. Their recent competitive action gives them an edge in match fitness. However, injuries to key defenders could expose vulnerabilities.
Nice vs Benfica Head-to-Head
This will be the first competitive meeting between Nice and Benfica, though they faced off in friendlies. Nice have never played a Portuguese side in a competitive setting, while Benfica have a strong record against French teams. The table below shows their friendly encounters, as no competitive H2H exists.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result |
| 15/07/22 | Friendly | Benfica vs Nice | 3-0 |
| 27/07/13 | Friendly | Benfica vs Nice | 2-1 |
Benfica dominated both friendly encounters, winning 3-0 and 2-1, suggesting a historical edge. Nice struggled to contain Benfica’s attack, conceding five goals across these games. The lack of competitive H2H makes these results less definitive, but Benfica’s experience against French sides (W2, D1 vs Monaco last season) could influence their approach.
Nice Predicted Starting Lineup
Nice is likely to deploy a balanced 4-3-3 formation, emphasizing attacking flair through Terem Moffi and home support to challenge Benfica’s defense:
Diouf (GK), Mendy (DF), Juma Bah (DF), Dante (DF), Clauss (DF), Sanson (MF), Boudaoui (MF), Bard (MF), Bouanani (FW), Moffi (FW), Guessand (FW).
Benfica Predicted Starting Lineup
Benfica, under Roger Schmidt, is expected to use a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Vangelis Pavlidis leading the line and a strong midfield to control possession:
Trubin (GK), Dedic (DF), Antonio Silva (DF), Otamendi (DF), Dahl (DF), Rios (MF), Barrenechea (MF), Barreiro (MF), Aursnes (MF), Pavlidis (FW), Akturkoglu (MF).
Injured and Questionable Players
Injuries and absences can significantly impact the outcome of the Nice vs Benfica match. The table below lists players who are confirmed or likely to miss the game due to injuries. Nice appear to have a clean bill of health, while Benfica face challenges with several key players sidelined.
| Team | Player | Injury |
| Nice | None | None |
| Benfica | Tomás Araújo | Unspecified Injury |
| Benfica | Bruma | Unspecified Injury |
| Benfica | Alexander Bah | Long-term Injury |
| Benfica | Manu Silva | Long-term Injury |
Key Factors to Watch
To craft an accurate Nice vs Benfica match prediction, several critical elements must be considered. Both teams bring unique strengths and challenges, shaped by form, injuries, and tactical setups. Below are the key factors that could decide the outcome.
- Nice’s Home Form: Nice won their last three home games last season, including against PSG, showing they thrive with fan support;
- Benfica’s Match Fitness: Having played competitive matches, including a Super Cup win, Benfica are sharper than Nice, who rely on pre-season form;
- Terem Moffi’s Impact: Moffi’s three goals in four UEFA games make him a threat, especially with early scoring tendencies;
- Vangelis Pavlidis’s Scoring Streak: Pavlidis’s six UCL goals, including a hat-trick, highlight his ability to exploit defensive gaps;
- Benfica’s Injury Concerns: Missing defenders Tomás Araújo, Bruma, Alexander Bah, and Manu Silva could weaken their backline;
- Nice’s Defensive Record: Both teams scored in Nice’s last nine UEFA home games, indicating potential vulnerability;
- Benfica’s Scoring Run: Benfica have scored in all 20 recent matches, making them likely to find the net;
- Tactical Matchup: Nice’s attacking style may clash with Benfica’s high-pressing, possession-based approach, potentially leading to an open game.
Free Tips on Nice vs Benfica
For the Nice vs Benfica prediction today, leveraging statistical insights and team dynamics is essential to identify value bets. This section provides practical betting advice based on the teams’ recent performances and historical data. Below are five carefully selected tips to guide your wagering decisions.
- Referee Tendencies: Srđan Jovanović’s officiating style leans toward strict discipline, often issuing multiple cards, which could lead to a high card count in a competitive match like this.
- Pitch Conditions: The Red Bull Arena’s natural grass pitch, if well-maintained, will favor Nice’s fluid attacking play, but any rain could slow the game, benefiting Benfica’s counter-attacking style.
- Team Motivation: Both teams are highly motivated, with Nice chasing their first UCL group stage since 1959/60 and Benfica aiming to maintain their strong European pedigree.
- Recent Schedule Impact: Benfica’s recent competitive matches, including a congested Club World Cup schedule, might cause slight fatigue, while Nice’s lack of competitive a
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Nice vs Benfica Match Prediction 2025
The Nice vs Benfica prediction 2025 leans toward a closely contested match, with Benfica holding a slight edge due to their competitive sharpness and European experience. Nice’s home advantage and attacking threat, led by Terem Moffi, could trouble Benfica’s depleted defense, but the Portuguese side’s scoring consistency (20 consecutive games) and Vangelis Pavlidis’s form make them dangerous. The Nice vs Benfica odds favor Benfica in the Draw No Bet market, reflecting their recent form and ability to perform against top sides, as seen in their Club World Cup win over Bayern Munich. However, Nice’s strong home record and lack of injuries suggest they can keep the game tight. Both teams’ tendency for goals (Nice’s nine straight UEFA home games with both teams scoring, Benfica’s scoring streak) points to an open encounter. A 1-1 draw is the most likely outcome, with both sides finding the net but canceling each other out. This prediction balances Nice’s home resilience with Benfica’s superior preparation and attacking prowess.
Our Prediction: Nice 1-1 Benfica
| Prediction Type | Prediction | Odds |
| Match Outcome | Draw | 3.5 |
| Both Teams to Score | Yes | 1.6 |
| Total Goals | Under 2.5 | 2.02 |
Place your bets with confidence, as the Nice vs Benfica betting tips suggest a high-scoring draw is on the cards. The stake on the match – Nice vs Benfica you can make on bc.game, where competitive odds and a seamless betting experience await.
