Monaco vs Benfica prediction and betting tips on February 12, 2025
Game Prediction
On February 12, 2025, the first match of the UEFA Champions League playoff round will feature Monaco against Benfica. The French side will seek revenge for their autumn defeat to the Portuguese team.
Monaco vs Benfica Prediction
Monaco, under the guidance of Hütter, who arrived in the summer of 2023, secured the second-place finish in Ligue 1 last season. They are now battling to maintain this status, especially in a fierce race for second place, notably against Marseille. Benfica, on the other hand, lost the Portuguese title to Sporting and, after changing coaches early in the new season, replaced Roger Schmidt with Bruno Lage. The team won the Portuguese Super Cup by defeating Sporting on penalties but still lags behind in the domestic league.
In the Champions League, Monaco started with a pleasant surprise, beating Barcelona, followed by victories over Red Star Belgrade and Bologna, with a draw in Zagreb against Dinamo. However, their results faltered as 2024 progressed, with losses to Benfica and Arsenal, and a 1-0 win over Aston Villa followed by a heavy 0-3 defeat to Inter.
Benfica also started the Champions League with two victories, including a 4-0 demolition of Atlético Madrid. However, they only managed to win away matches against Monaco and Juventus, while suffering defeats to Feyenoord, Bayern Munich, and Barcelona. Notably, they led 1-3 and 2-4 against Barcelona before losing.
Key Statistics & Trends
- Monaco have lost three of their last four Champions League matches.
- The French side have won three out of their last four home matches.
- Benfica have won three out of their last four away matches.
Probable Lineups
Monaco (predicted XI): Maetzki – Mavissa Elibi, Kehrer, Singo, Vanderson – Zakaria, Kamara, Ben-Segir, Minamino, Akiush – Biret.
Benfica (predicted XI): Trubin – Ba, Otamendi, Antonio Silva, Tomas Araujo – Kekchü, Florentino, Eursnes – Skjellerup, Di Maria, Pavlidis.
Head-to-Head Matches: Monaco vs Benfica
The clubs last met in the 2014 Champions League, with the first leg in France ending in a goalless draw, and Benfica winning 1-0 in Lisbon.
Free Prediction for Monaco vs Benfica
While the French side are favored in this matchup, Benfica are a strong team and will certainly be motivated to win. Bet on "over 2.5 goals" (odds – 1.666).
Place your bets and track the progress of your team in the Champions League standings!