Salzburg vs Benfica Lisbon Prediction & Betting Tips - Champions League

Prediction published on 12/12/2023, 06:18  by Kennedy Kechula in Champions League Predictions

RB Salzburg will host Benfica on Tuesday in the Champions League seeking to confirm third place in Group D. Both teams have a chance at finishing third though Salzburg have the points advantage over fourth-placed Benfica. All Salzburg need to do here is avoid defeat and they will book their place in next year’s Europa League knockout round playoffs. Gerhard Struber’s men occupy third place at the moment and have a three-point advantage over Benfica. They defeated their Portuguese visitors away from home on matchday one to register their only victory in the group. Salzburg haven’t lost in five games and have won three times in this spell. They are coming off a 1-0 victory over Bundesliga rivals Rapid Vienna that kept their hold on top spot in the Austrian topflight.

Maintaining a European presence is much more complicated for Benfica. Roger Schmidt’s men have to win by two clear goals here to nick third place from Salzburg. If they manage to do it then their first win in this season’s competition will have been worth the wait. The Eagles have lost four of their five games and by matchday four had already been eliminated from the competition. Benfica haven’t won in their last three fixtures which have all ended in a share of the spoils. They drew 1-1 with Farense last time out and lost the chance to go top in the Primeira Liga. The Reds will be without Antonio Silva for this match due to suspension.