EUROPE: Champions League – Group Stage – Matchday 1, September 19, 2024
Team Statistics and Trends
Red Star Belgrade:
Red Star’s current form in the Serbian SuperLiga is remarkable, having consistently won in recent weeks, scoring a total of 21 goals while conceding only 4. This defensive stability and goal difference clearly indicate that the team is in good shape. Their top scorer, Bruno Duarte, has scored 6 goals in his last 9 matches, further boosting Red Star’s attacking potential. At home, Red Star has never lost to Benfica, which could be a psychological advantage.
Benfica:
Benfica’s current situation is somewhat contradictory, as they have only won two of their last five matches, and their Champions League performance so far has been below expectations. The new coach, Bruno Lage, is clearly trying to stabilize the team, but recent results show there is still room for improvement. Benfica’s statistics are also unfavorable, as they have only won one of their last eight Champions League matches.
Player Statistics
Red Star’s best players include Bruno Duarte, who has been performing exceptionally well in recent matches, while Benfica’s Ángel Di María and Orkun Kökçü play key roles in the attacking lineup. Di María has scored three goals so far and provided several assists, while Kökçü is also actively involved in the team’s offensive efforts.
Motivation
Red Star Belgrade’s motivation is outstanding as they play in front of their home crowd, and participating in the Champions League is a real honor for them. On the other hand, for Benfica, winning is crucial to avoid further pressure on the new coach.
Betting Tips
Low-Risk Betting Tip:
- Under 3.5 goals + Over 3.5 yellow cards: Benfica’s away matches this season have generally been low-scoring. The team tends to start cautiously away from home, and Red Star’s defense is strong at home. Statistics suggest Benfica’s average away goal count ranges between 1-2 goals. Given the tension and rivalry between the two teams, many yellow cards are expected.