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Benfica vs Bologna Prediction: Home Team in Great Shape
Benfica hosts Bologna on December 11, 2024, in what will be an action-packed UEFA Champions League game at the historic Estádio da Luz in Lisbon. Both teams have seen different fortunes this season, with one faring well in their league and the Champions League, while the other has struggled, thereby making this a potentially explosive matchup.
Benfica's Strong Start to the Season
Although Benfica finished as runners-up in the Portuguese league last season, they look to seal the top spot this time around. Benfica has been in exceptional form, with 31 of 36 points from the first 12 rounds of the Primeira Liga. The Lisbon-based side has only stumbled once, in a narrow 0-1 loss to Bayern Munich, but generally, the Eagles have dominated their domestic league.
In the Champions League, Benfica has also shown resilience. With three wins from five matches — defeating Crvena Zvezda 2-1, Atletico Madrid 4-0, and Monaco 3-2 — they are in a solid position despite losses to Feyenoord and Bayern. The team sits 14th in the group standings, which still leaves them with hopes of progressing further in the competition.
Bologna’s Struggles After Last Season’s Success
Bologna had a great season last year, finishing fifth in Serie A and earning a Champions League spot. That has not been the case this season. After the departure of manager Thiago Motta and a few key players, Bologna has not been able to maintain their form. With just 22 points from 14 Serie A matches, they sit in eighth place.
It has been an even worse Champions League campaign for Bologna, as they are yet to win a match in the group stage, drawing 0-0 with Shakhtar Donetsk and losing to Liverpool 0-2, Aston Villa 0-2, Monaco 0-1, and Lille 1-2. They are currently ranked 33rd in the standings, and their chances of making it past the group stage seem bleak.
Expert Betting Tips
Benfica goes into this match in great shape, having won eight of their last nine games, with only a loss to Bayern Munich breaking their impressive run. Bologna is in bad shape, especially in the Champions League, where they have lost their last four matches with a combined score of 1-7.
Given the form gap, Benfica is the comfortable favourite to win this match. That is reflected in odds form, where several options include:
- W1 + Total Over 1.5 at 1.85 (Betway)
- Total Over 2.5 at 1.79 (1xBet)
- Both Teams to Score (BTTS) at 1.80 (Bet365)
Match Details
- Date: December 11, 2024
- Time: 20:00 UTC
- Venue: Estádio da Luz, Lisbon, Portugal
- Competition: UEFA Champions League
While Benfica is gathering momentum, Bologna has the stern test of playing away from home. Their Champions League hopes are hanging by a thread, and they must pull something remarkable to have any chance of overcoming the in-form Benfica.
Player Ratings
Looking to compare the top performers from each team? You can check the player ratings on Sofascore for a detailed rundown of how the key players have been performing throughout the season.
This is an absolute must-watch clash for the fans of both clubs, as Benfica is expected to win with ease in this home match.