Crvena Zvezda vs Benfica Predictions

Crvena Zvezda vs Benfica predictions for this Champions League clash. Benfica kick off their 2024-25 Champions League campaign with an away clash against Red Star Belgrade in Serbia on Thursday night, aiming to start strong in a challenging group stage opener. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.

Champions League | League Stage | Sep 19, 2024 at 5.45pm UK at Stadion Rajko Mitic

Crvena Zvezda vs Benfica Predictions

Will Red Star’s Home Fortress Prove a Challenge for Benfica?

• Red Star’s Home Fortress
  • Red Star Belgrade haven’t failed to score in a home match since September 2022, making their home ground a tough place for any opponent. This incredible consistency at home will give them confidence heading into the match against Benfica, even if they face an uphill battle.
• Benfica’s Attacking Depth
  • Benfica are averaging 17.2 shots per game this season, with 6.2 on target. Their ability to create chances from a variety of attacking players, including Di María and Pavlidis, makes them a constant threat. They’ll likely get several shots off against Red Star’s defence.
• Corner Frenzy Expected
  • Red Star have averaged 9.9 corners per game in the Serbian league this season, while Benfica have managed 8.8 per match in Portugal. Both teams are heavily reliant on wide play, and this pattern is expected to continue, resulting in a high number of corner kicks in Thursday’s clash.

Best Bet

As the Champions League kicks off for another season, Serbian champions Red Star Belgrade prepare to host Portuguese giants Benfica. This Group Stage fixture, set to unfold on Thursday evening in Belgrade, pits two historic clubs against one another in what promises to be a fascinating contest. Red Star will aim to make the most of their renowned home support as they face a Benfica side revitalised under new leadership.

Benfica, one of Portugal’s top sides, come into the match with a renewed sense of ambition after a challenging start to their domestic campaign. Following a managerial change, they secured an emphatic 4-1 victory against Santa Clara last weekend, marking a positive turn. On the other side, Red Star enter the game in formidable form domestically, having won six of their opening seven matches in the Serbian SuperLiga. However, continental competition has been less kind to the Serbians, with their past Champions League outings yielding little success. Nevertheless, with a passionate home crowd behind them, Red Star will hope to pull off a memorable result.

This encounter between two footballing traditions promises to be more than just an early group stage clash, as both sides are looking to make a strong start in Europe. While Benfica appear to have the edge in terms of talent and experience, Red Star’s form at home and in the league makes them a side not to be underestimated. With all eyes on Belgrade, this match has the makings of an enthralling affair.

The best bet for this encounter is backing Benfica to win with both teams scoring. This wager offers solid value, considering the dynamics of both teams’ form and characteristics.

Red Star are formidable at home, boasting an impressive unbeaten run at the Rajko Mitić Stadium stretching back nearly a year. Their ability to find the back of the net, especially in front of their home fans, is undeniable. Red Star have not failed to score in a home match since 2022, and their attacking threat, led by Brazilian forward Bruno Duarte, ensures that Benfica’s defence will be tested throughout the game. Duarte, the club’s top scorer, has already netted six goals in nine appearances this season, demonstrating his ability to make an impact in the final third. Furthermore, with Silas and Peter Olayinka supporting him from the wings, Red Star have multiple avenues to exploit Benfica’s defensive structure.

However, Benfica’s quality, particularly under new manager Bruno Lage, makes them favourites to secure the win. The Portuguese side have shown an ability to recover quickly from setbacks, as evidenced by their comeback against Santa Clara last weekend. While Red Star’s home form is impressive, Benfica’s forward line, featuring the likes of Ángel Di María and Vangelis Pavlidis, should have enough to overcome Red Star’s defence. Benfica have scored nine goals in their five Liga Portugal matches so far, and their attack, which also includes Kerem Aktürkoğlu, is well-equipped to capitalise on any defensive lapses.

Additionally, Benfica’s ability to maintain possession and control the tempo of games, seen in their 62.4% average possession in the Liga Portugal this season, will likely stifle Red Star’s ability to dominate proceedings. Yet, Red Star’s resilience and goal-scoring prowess at home make it difficult to envision them being shut out. Benfica should prevail, but Red Star will likely find a way to get on the scoresheet, setting up a narrow yet entertaining victory for the visitors.

“While Red Star’s home record speaks for itself, Benfica’s depth and attacking quality will ultimately shine through. A win for Benfica seems likely, but the Serbian side are too potent at home to go without a goal.”
– BettingTips4You.com expert Herrin Kendrick

Additional Prediction

A secondary prediction for this encounter is over 9.5 corners. Both teams have been prolific in earning corners throughout their domestic campaigns, and this trend should continue in Thursday’s game.

Red Star have averaged nearly ten corners per game in the Serbian SuperLiga this season, a testament to their attacking intent and ability to pressure opponents in the final third. With players like Duarte and Olayinka operating on the wings, it’s no surprise that Red Star frequently push their opponents into conceding corners. Their attacking style, coupled with Benfica’s tendency to press high up the pitch, suggests there will be plenty of opportunities for corner kicks on both sides.

Benfica are also no strangers to winning corners, averaging 8.8 per game in the Portuguese league. With players like Di María and Aktürkoğlu whipping in dangerous crosses from wide areas, the Eagles should be able to force Red Star’s defence into making last-ditch clearances, resulting in several corner opportunities.

Given both teams’ attacking profiles and their ability to generate chances from wide positions, surpassing 9.5 corners seems a likely outcome in this encounter.

Correct Score Prediction: Red Star 1-2 Benfica

For a correct score prediction, a 2-1 win for Benfica aligns well with the match’s likely dynamics. As discussed in the best bet, Benfica’s attacking prowess should prove too much for Red Star to handle over the course of 90 minutes. However, Red Star’s form at home and their ability to score consistently on their own turf means they are unlikely to be completely outplayed.

Benfica’s defensive record this season, with only two clean sheets in five games, indicates that while they can control games, they remain vulnerable to counter-attacks and set-pieces, areas where Red Star have been dangerous. With Bruno Duarte leading the line for the Serbians, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Red Star managed to find the back of the net.

Yet, Benfica’s attacking depth, with players like Di María and Pavlidis in form, should see them scoring at least twice. Their dominance in possession and clinical finishing will likely be the difference in a tightly contested match, with a 2-1 scoreline reflecting the overall balance of play.

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