Preview

Champions League match preview: Crvena Zvezda vs. Benfica
Date and time: September 19, 2024, 19:45
Venue: Rajko Mitic Stadium, Belgrade
Tournament: Champions League, group stage, Round 1

Where to watch: Megogo

Crvena Zvezda
The Belgrade club got into one of the toughest groups in the Champions League, where the competition will be fierce. In matches against such giants as Inter, Barcelona, ​​Milan, and experienced European fighters like PSV and Young Boys, Crvena Zvezda does not have many chances for easy games. The match against Benfica in the first round will be critical for the Serbian team. A positive result can lay the foundation for continuing the fight to advance from the group. It is important to score points in the home match, because in January, after a long winter break in the Serbian championship, even tougher tests await Crvena Zvezda.

Last season, the team showed character in the national championship and the Europa League, but the Champions League is a completely different level, where even a draw against the big boys can be an achievement. To advance to the next round, the Serbs need to score at least 10 points, which means that victories in matches with Benfica, PSV and Young Boys are practically mandatory.

Benfica
The Lisbon club approaches the new season with new hopes under the leadership of Bruno Lage. The first game under his leadership - a 4:1 victory over Santa Clara - was a clear signal that the team is capable of returning to its previous form. Benfica showed confidence and attacking potential that has not been shown for a long time. Although it is too early to talk about a full "recovery" after an unsuccessful period under Roger Schmidt, it is already noticeable that the players have regained faith in themselves.

For Benfica, the minimum goal is to reach the next round of the Champions League. The Lisbon team understands that in this group, points at the start are important, because in the last rounds they will have matches with Barcelona and Juventus, where the chances of success will be small. Therefore, it is very important for the Portuguese to get 3 points in Belgrade to avoid unnecessary pressure in the future.

Forecast:
"Crvena Zvezda" will try to take the maximum at their home stadium in front of the ardent support of their fans, but Benfica is gaining form and looks like the favorite of the match. A dynamic game with an emphasis on the fight in the center of the field is expected, where both teams will try to take control. Given the attacking potential of the Portuguese and the motivation of the Serbs, the match promises to be tense and unpredictable.