Benfica vs Fenerbahce Preview & Prediction | 2025-26 UEFA Champions League | Playoffs

by Alex Lawes · August 26 2025, 11:20

Updated August 26 2025, 16:20

Benfica vs Fenerbahce Preview & Prediction | 2025-26 UEFA Champions League | Playoffs

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We have two of the middling so-called giants of European football bidding for a place in the 36-team league phase of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League campaign.

Kick-off date/time:

How to watch on TV: UK – TNT Sports / US – Not televised

How to watch online: UK – Discovery+ / US – Paramount+

Key Stats

Benfica won all the previous three UEFA two-legged ties between these teams; 2-1 agg in the 2018/19 UEFA Champions League third qualifying round, 3-2 agg in the semi-finals of the 2012/13 UEFA Europa League and 7-1 agg in the first round of the European Cup in 1975/76. Those are the only previous encounters (they have never met in a group stage or league phase).
Benfica have won all their six UEFA competition two-legged ties against Turkish teams.
Benfica are unbeaten in their last eight UEFA competition matches against Turkish teams (W3 D5).
This is Benfica’s 45th European Cup/UEFA Champions League participation – second most overall (behind Real Madrid - 56).
Benfica have participated in the UEFA Champions League group stage/league phase in 14 of the last 15 seasons.
Benfica have won four UEFA Champions League play-off round ties in a row. Most recently in 2022/23 when they recorded a 5-0 aggregate victory against Dynamo Kyiv (2-0 a, 3-0 h).
Benfica have lost only one of their last 22 matches in UEFA Champions League qualifying (W14 D7).
Benfica have won ten and drawn one of their last 11 matches at home in UEFA Champions League qualifying.
Benfica have won their last ten two-legged ties in UEFA Champions League qualifying.
Fenerbahçe are aiming to reach the UEFA Champions League proper for the first time since the 2008/09 season. They have six previous participations in the group stage.
Fenerbahçe have lost their last two UEFA Champions League play-off round ties. Most recently, a 0-5 aggregate defeat against Arsenal in 2013/14 (0-3 h, 0-2 a).
Fenerbahçe have lost five of their previous six UEFA competition away matches against Portuguese teams (W1). The only success was a 3-1 win at Vitória SC in the second leg of a first round tie in the 1990/91 UEFA Cup (6-2 agg; 3-0 h, 3-2 a).

Benfica vs Fenerbahce prediction

At the Sukru Saracoglu Stadyumu in Istanbul last week, Fenerbahce and Benfica shared a goalless draw in the first-leg of their UEFA Champions League playoff round tie, though Benfica defensive midfielder Florentino Luis was sent off in the 71st minute and now the Portugal international is sidelined through suspension for this second-leg.

Benfica have since shared a frustrating goalless draw with Tondela in the Primeira Liga, leaving them six points adrift of rivals Sporting CP at the top-of-the-table. Jose Mourinho needs some major improvement from Fener last season after their disappointing campaign across all competitions last year.

Mourinho will ensure his Fenerbahce side are tedious to play against but, with their home advantage, Benfica have to be seen as favourites to progress through.