Spartak Moscow vs Benfica Lisbon Prediction & Betting Tips - Champions League

Prediction published on 02/08/2021, 23:35  by Daniel Ngulu | Modified on 02/08/2021 at 23:38 in Champions League Predictions

After three years out of the UEFA Champions League, Russian side Spartak Moscow makes a return at the third qualifying round, starting with a home game against Portuguese side Benfica. Spartak have had a mixed start to the season; they have a win and a loss in their opening two matches of the season. After recovering from the opening loss to Rubin Kazan, they beat Krylya Sovetov right ahead of this game and they will be banking on a run of four wins in their last five matches. They’ve failed to score just once in those five matches, and have four clean sheets. Earlier, they registered four or more goals in their final three preseason games but they haven’t been able to score more than a goal in their opening two competitive matches. At home, they have an impressive run, winning seven and losing just twice in the last 10 matches. They have scored twice or more in each of their last four home matches.

Benfica are also making a return to the Champions League after missing out last season and they go into this game unbeaten in their five preseason friendly matches. They won three and drew two of the five and as they start their season, will hope to carry on with the unbeaten run. Defensively, they’ve done well, keeping three clean sheets and they’ve been good in attack, scoring in four of the five matches. In the last three matches though, they failed to score more than a goal. This will be the first time these two sides meet in the last 11 years. In 2012, they met in the Champions League and each of them won their home game.