UEFA Champions League 3rd Qualifying Round

Benfica 2 - 0 FT Nice

Item: Benfica vs Nice
Rating: 24
Author: Futmetrix

Estádio da Luz

AI-powered match analysis and previews to help you decide which games are worth watching

Tue, Aug 12

Benfica

2-0

Nice

⚡ Intensity 19

⚖️ Balance 13

🏆 Stakes 33

🎲 Upset 0

Benfica's midfield masterclass dismantles Nice

Aursnes and Schjelderup's Two-Goal Blitz Seals Benfica's Passage

Skip It Futmetrix Score: 24/100. Benfica's midfield intensity suffocated Nice from the opening whistle, turning this Champions League qualifier into a one-sided affair at Estádio da Luz.

Norwegian Duo Orchestrates Early Control

The match was decided in eight minutes of devastating football. Fredrik Aursnes opened the scoring in the 19th minute, latching onto Andreas Schjelderup's precise pass before firing low past the keeper. The partnership deepened just eight minutes later when Schjelderup returned the favour, converting Aursnes's assist to make it 2-0. Two goals, two assists, one narrative: Benfica's midfield had already won the stakes before the half was half-done.

Defensive Fortress Built on Possession

With 58% possession and an 88% pass accuracy rate, Benfica controlled the tempo with surgical precision. Nicolás Otamendi marshalled the backline with commanding authority, ensuring Nice's nine shots never troubled the goalkeeper. The visitors managed zero shots on target—a damning indictment of their attacking impotence. Benfica's 21 total shots, with 14 arriving inside the box, painted the picture of a team operating at a completely different balance of power.

Nice's Defensive Collapse

Nice arrived with hope but departed with regret. Their 42% possession told the story of a team that never gained a foothold. Thirteen fouls and two yellow cards suggested frustration mounting as Benfica's midfield dominance became impossible to arrest. The 81% pass accuracy masked a deeper problem: Nice simply lacked the creative spark to trouble their hosts. Aursnes's four key passes and Schjelderup's three demonstrated the gulf in midfield control—Nice's players spent the evening chasing shadows.

Key Questions

What made Fredrik Aursnes the Man of the Match?

Goal, assist, four key passes, and relentless control of Benfica's midfield tempo. Aursnes dictated play and delivered the decisive moment.

How is the Futmetrix Score calculated?

The Futmetrix Score (0-100) combines multiple factors: match intensity, competitive balance, stakes importance, and entertainment value to help you decide if this match is worth watching.

A Tactical Standoff at the Luz

Skip It Futmetrix Score: 27/100. This 3rd Qualifying Round tie rests on a knife-edge as two sides with contrasting European experience battle for the ultimate prize.

The Setup

Benfica enter this clash looking to stabilize their Form after a period of inconsistency. At the Estádio da Luz, the Portuguese giants aim to leverage their home advantage, but the Balance of this tie suggests a much tighter affair than history might imply. With the Stakes involving a potential pathway to the Champions League league stage, there is no room for error. Nice, anchored by the reliable performances of Hicham Boudaoui in the middle of the park, will look to disrupt the rhythm of the hosts and capitalize on the counter-attack. The Stars will need to align for the visitors if they are to weather the early pressure expected on August 12, 2025.

Key Battle

The heart of the pitch will see a clash of styles between Franjo Ivanović and Hicham Boudaoui. Ivanović, coming off a stellar performance, provides the creative spark and finishing touch for the home side, while Boudaoui acts as the midfield engine for Nice, tasked with breaking up play and initiating transitions to release the away side's pacy attackers.

Our Prediction

Benfica will likely dominate possession for long stretches, but they will find it difficult to break down a resilient and disciplined Nice defensive block. Expect a game defined by narrow margins and tactical patience rather than end-to-end chaos. A single moment of individual brilliance in the second half is likely to be the separator. We expect the home side to carry a slender lead into the return leg with a 1-0 victory.

Key Questions

Should I watch this match?

Yes, if you appreciate high-stakes tactical battles where one mistake defines the entire European season.

What's the predicted outcome?

A narrow 1-0 victory for Benfica, secured through a single moment of second-half brilliance.

Where are Benfica and Nice in the league table?

Both clubs are currently competing in the UEFA Champions League 3rd Qualifying Round, seeking a playoff spot.

What is Benfica's current form?

Benfica's recent record stands at WWLLL, showing a mix of early dominance followed by a difficult stretch.

Who is the in-form player to watch?

Franjo Ivanović is the man to watch, boasting 1 goals in 1 matches and an elite 8.0 rating.

How is the Futmetrix Score calculated?

The Futmetrix Score (0-100) combines multiple factors: match intensity, competitive balance, stakes importance, and entertainment value to help you decide if this match is worth watching.