Benfica v Chelsea – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

The clubs last met in the 2013 Europa League final as the Blues came out on top. Benfica beat Bayern Munich 1-0 to top their group.

Match: Benfica v Chelsea
When: Saturday, 28 June 2025, 18:00

Benfica Form

The Portuguese giants ended last season in disappointing form as they finished two points behind FC Porto in the league table. A 1-1 draw with Sporting Lisbon and a 1-1 draw at Braga was followed by a 3-1 loss to Sporting in the Taca de Portugal cup final.

In the Club World Cup, Benfica came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Boca Juniors in their opening match. Their second match saw a 6-0 humbling of Auckland City. They secured top spot in Group C by beating Bayern Munich 1-0 despite allowing 2.24 Expected Goals to the German giants.

Benfica Team News

Coach Bruno Lage is without three players for this match. Right back Alexander Bah is out with a knee injury and midfielder Florentino Luis is out with a shoulder complaint.

Manu Silva is another absentee in the engine room after knee surgery. Defender Tomas Araujo and forward Zeki Amdouni are doubtful and the match may come too soon for them.

Benfica Motivation

The Portuguese giants are determined to progress in this competition with the vast prize money on offer.

They will want to play on the front foot. However, the win over Bayern came with just 27% possession as they sat back and ground out the result.

Chelsea Form

Chelsea finished fourth last season after finishing the league campaign with a 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest. They lifted the UEFA Europa League by beating Real Betis 4-1 having trailed 1-0 in the second half.

Their Club World Cup journey began with a 2-0 victory over Los Angeles FC. A 3-1 defeat to Flamengo followed as a red card proved costly. With a heavily changed XI, they beat Esperance 3-0 to reach the knockout rounds.             

Chelsea Team News

Nicolas Jackson is suspended up front for Chelsea. Liam Delap scored against Esperance and could lead the line.

Wesley Fofana is out injured. Moises Caicedo and Cole Palmer will return to the XI whilst Reece James is a doubt due to illness.

Chelsea Motivation

Chelsea will have every confidence of reaching the quarter-finals. They are taking the competition seriously.

Enzo Maresca’s side are likely to dominate proceedings in terms of possession in Charlotte.

Key Stats

Benfica have won just 2 of their last 6 matches

Benfica have lost their last 3 matches vs Chelse

Chelsea have won 10 of their last 12 matches

Chelsea have kept 4 clean sheets in their last 6 matches

Verdict

The Blues are a bit fresher after resting players whilst Benfica’s performance levels have been average. I see Chelsea winning a tight match to zero.

Featured Bet: Chelsea win at 2.30

Alternate Bet: Chelsea win to zero at 3.65

Correct Score Tip: Benfica 0-1 Chelsea at 6.25