Benfica vs Club Brugge – Betting Preview
There isn’t much to say about this tie. a contest between two underdogs, with Club Brugge receiving special attention for being the underdog.
Due to two defensive mistakes that gave Joao Mario a penalty and David Neres a late goal, Benfica was able to win 2-0 on Belgian soil.
Benfica Preview
This was the fourth win in a row for the Eagles, who are now 11 points clear of Porto, but with a game more than the Dragons. In these four victories, the defence allowed just one goal, and that’s another sign of their solid form.
It’s interesting to know, in their previous 14 games in European play against Belgian opponents, Benfica had only suffered one defeat (W9 D4); that defeat came on the road against Anderlecht in a UEFA Champions League qualifying match in August 2004.
Benfica have been unbeaten in six games against Belgian sides since then, winning five matches.
On the injury front, Mihailo Ristic and Julian Draxler are absent due to injuries, Ristic with his muscle problems and Draxler having ankle trouble. Florentino, Gonçalo Ramos, João Mário, and Otamendi will miss the next match if they get booked!
Club Brugge Preview
After giving up two away goals at the Jan Breydel stadium, the Belgian team is in a very precarious situation, although their chances of advancing to the quarterfinals are undoubtedly still alive. To pull off a significant victory, Scott Parker and his men would have to put in a lot of effort, though.
Despite this being Club Brugge’s second encounter with Benfica, they have played five different Portuguese teams in European competition (Boavista, FC Porto, Martimo, Sporting Braga, and Sporting CP).
In their previous five such games against Portuguese opposition, Club Brugge had suffered four losses!
On team news front, Jack Hendry is not available, while Andreas Skov Olsen might be in the protocol, but that will be a game-time decision. Buchanan, Mignolet, Nielsen, Odoi, and Sowah will miss the next match if they get booked.
1×2 Betting Odds
Let’s begin analysing the 1×2 market
With their victory in Belgium, Benfica is well on their way to matching their last season’s feat of making it to the round of eight. The Eagles were methodical and patient in the first leg, and it is likely that they will combine those qualities with a more aggressive approach in Lisbon.
The hosts will likely want to end the conversation as quickly as possible.
A look at the betting market will also paint you the same picture.
Playing at home, Benfica are the favourites to win yet again @ 1.48.
The Belgium side are not given much of a chance to make a comeback in this, with odds standing @ 7.70.
The market odds of a stalemate after the 90 mins are over, stands @ 4.90.
Total goals over/under
Let’s check the over/under scenario
The odds that the total number of goals scored will be over 2.5, stands @ 1.75.
While the odds that the total number of goals will be under 2.5, stands @ 2.28.
Well the market expects this one to be an open game, as the away side will try to turn around the 2 goal deficit. In doing so they will have to play attacking football but it would also mean they will be susceptible to counters from the home side!
Either way, goals are to be expected in this one!
