Nice 0 - 2 FT Benfica

Benfica's Clinical Finish Extinguishes Nice's European Dream

Skip It Futmetrix Score: 33/100. This wasn't a thriller—it was a masterclass in Champions League efficiency, as Nice's continental ambitions crumbled against a Benfica side that converted their chances with ruthless precision at Allianz Riviera.

Dominance Without Drama

Balance tilted decisively toward the Portuguese visitors from the opening exchanges. Benfica controlled 53% possession and suffocated Nice's creative outlets, forcing the hosts into a frustrating game of chase. Andreas Schjelderup orchestrated the midfield with surgical precision, laying two key passes that exposed Nice's defensive fragility. The home side managed just two shots on target—a damning indictment of their attacking impotence when Stakes were highest in European football.

The Turning Point: 53 Minutes of Reckoning

Franjo Ivanović opened the floodgates in the 53rd minute, finishing a move built on Benfica's patient possession play. F. Aursnes provided the assist, but it was the Eagles' suffocating pressure that created the opportunity. Nice's defence, stretched thin across 90 minutes, finally cracked. The goal didn't spark a Nice comeback—instead, it signalled the beginning of the end. Benfica tightened their grip, and by the 88th minute, substitute Florentino added a second, courtesy of S. Dahl's assist, to seal a thoroughly professional away victory.

The Data Tells the Story

Nice's 12 shots masked a deeper truth: only five landed in dangerous territory inside the box. Benfica's 13 shots were far more purposeful—nine came from inside the area, reflecting their Intensity in the final third. The Portuguese side's 86% pass accuracy (419 of 488) versus Nice's 87% (377 of 434) showed that when fewer passes are needed, they carry more weight. This was Champions League football stripped to its essence: control, convert, advance.

What Lies Ahead

For Benfica, this victory resurrects hope after a turbulent domestic campaign. For Nice, the European dream feels increasingly distant. They needed to compete at this level; instead, they were outclassed by a side that treated Allianz Riviera as a staging ground for their continental ambitions.

Narrow Margins Define Clash at Allianz Riviera

Skip It Futmetrix Score: 7/100. This first-leg encounter is a high-stakes survival test where tactical discipline is expected to triumph over individual flair.

The Setup

The quest for European prestige arrives at the Allianz Riviera on August 06, 2025, as Nice hosts Benfica in a critical Champions League 3rd Qualifying Round tie. Both sides enter this fixture knowing that the Stakes represent the difference between a season of continental glory and a premature exit from the elite stage. Benfica’s recent Form has been a cause for concern; despite scoring six goals in their last six matches, they have suffered four defeats in that span. They will lean on the creativity of K. Aktürkoğlu and the direct threat of D. Lukebakio to find a crucial away goal. Conversely, Nice will look to the Balance provided by H. Boudaoui in the heart of the pitch to disrupt the visitors' rhythm. With the attacking threat of E. Wahi and T. Moffi leading the line, the French side possesses the tools to punish any defensive lapses from a Portuguese backline that has looked vulnerable in transition. While this fixture may lack the global Stars of the later knockout rounds, the strategic depth on display makes it a fascinating encounter for the neutral observer.

Key Battle

The match will likely be decided by the interaction between the home side's defensive organization and the visitors' transition speed. The home backline must remain flawlessly synchronized to handle the fluid movement of the Portuguese attack. If the midfield unit can successfully cut off the supply lines from the central areas, they will force the opposition into wide, low-percentage crosses. The battle for territory in the middle third will be relentless, with neither side willing to sacrifice structural integrity for offensive numbers in this opening leg.

Our Prediction

The first leg of a qualifying tie is often a cagey affair, and this match should be no exception. Nice will look to utilize their home support to maintain a high tempo early on, but Benfica’s significant experience in European competitions should see them weather the initial storm. We expect a game of limited clear-cut chances where both teams wait for the other to blink. A tactical 1-1 draw is the predicted result, leaving the tie perfectly balanced for the return leg in Lisbon.