- Date and Time: 19.09.2024, 18:45 GMT+1
- Venue: Stadium Rajko Mitić, Beograd, Serbia
Crvena Zvezda vs Benfica Preview
Crvena Zvezda
Crvena Zvezda had an eventful transfer window, reinforcing their squad ahead of the 2024/25 season. The Serbian club, reigning champions after topping their eternal rivals Partizan once again in the 2023/24 season, qualified for Europe with a regular presence in continental competitions.
Tim Elšnik, who had a good EURO2024 with Slovenia, has arrived at the Serbian capital from Olimpija Ljubljana. Alongside him, Nemanja Radonjić, Luka Ilić, and Rade Krunić have strengthened the Serbian squad.
I ovog četvrtka – važno je da si tu.
Da ne propustiš momente koji se jednom dese.
Moć Marakane je u nama, rođaci!IDEMO! 🔴⚪
Četvrtak, 18:45
Zvezda-Benfika*Svoju karta možeš nabaviti u promenoaru stadiona kod servisa za članstvo, ali i onlajn: https://t.co/gZ0rPjbhSD#fkcz pic.twitter.com/f9Lkk2dhfT
— FK Crvena zvezda (@crvenazvezdafk) September 18, 2024
The Serbian SuperLiga begins much earlier than many of Europe’s top leagues, and Crvena Zvezda is already well into their season. Undefeated after seven matches, with just one draw against second-placed Mladost (2-2), they have displayed dominance, scoring 21 goals and conceding only four.
Playing at the Marakana, known for its electric atmosphere, Crvena Zvezda often intimidates opponents, even before they take the field. This promises to be an intense fixture, with the home crowd undoubtedly playing a key role.
Benfica
Every summer, one of Benfica’s talents leaves the club for one of Europe’s Top Five Leagues.
This summer was no different, as nineteen-year-old João Neves left for Paris Saint-Germain for around €60M. The club reinvested the money in two forwards: Vangelis Pavlidis from AZ Alkmaar and Kerem Aktürkoğlu from Galatasaray, spending a combined total of just under €30M.
🎩 Di María ✨#SLBCDSC #LigaPortugalBetclic pic.twitter.com/PQMYauGF5f
— SL Benfica (@SLBenfica) September 15, 2024
Benfica’s season started later than Crvena Zvezda’s, meaning they’ve played fewer matches so far. Unlike their Serbian counterparts, Benfica isn’t undefeated.
Their first loss came in the opening match of the season against Famalicão (2-0), though they quickly bounced back with wins over Casa Pia (3-0), Estrela Amadora (1-0), and Santa Clara (4-1). The only team to have drawn against them was Moreirense (1-1).
🥵 @keremakturkoglu 🔥#SLBCDSC #LigaPortugalBetclic pic.twitter.com/U3xdLsNa3j
— SL Benfica (@SLBenfica) September 15, 2024
With ten points from their matches, Benfica currently sits fifth in the league. However, as they head to the intimidating Marakana in Belgrade, they face not just a strong Crvena Zvezda side but also a famously hostile atmosphere created by the Red Star ultras.
The psychological aspect of playing in such an environment could be decisive, making it a unique challenge for the Portuguese side.
Bet hereCrvena Zvezda vs Benfica Prediction
- Pick: Draw
- Odds: 3.08 (22bet)
- Score prediction: Crvena Zvezda 1-1 Benfica
Benfica enters the match as the footballing favorite, boasting the talents of Ángel Di María, who has been exceptional since rejoining the Portuguese side. Key players, like Orkun Kökçü and Florentino Luis, have been essential in the midfield, while Nicola Otamendi counts as a reliable player at the back.
However, this won’t be an easy task for Benfica. Crvena Zvezda’s Tim Elšnik has been dangerous in the midfield, contributing as a goal-scoring threat even from a deeper role in the double pivot.
— SL Benfica (@slbenfica_en) September 15, 2024
While Crvena Zvezda’s double-pivot has worked well in Serbia’s Mozzart Superliga, the Champions League presents a tougher challenge.
Benfica will also need time to adjust to the absence of João Neves, especially as they’ve played fewer matches than Crvena Zvezda, meaning their rhythm may not be fully established.
Crvena Zvezda vs Benfica Prediction, Betting Tip
- Pick: Crvena Zvezda to open the score and draw
- Odds: 8.5 (22Bet)
Although Crvena Zvezda has no rich Champions League history, their renowned home atmosphere gives them an undeniable advantage.
The raucous crowd is capable of unsettling even the most seasoned teams. This has been seen in the past, as Liverpool famously felt the pressure when they played in Belgrade, which means a lot coming from a team that plays at Anfield.
Pobednička ekipa na današnjem treningu! 🏆
🔴⚪️ #fkcz pic.twitter.com/acWpFIChhJ
— FK Crvena zvezda (@crvenazvezdafk) September 8, 2024
The added bonus of having played more matches this season also speaks in the hosts’ favor, as they enter this game with more rhythm and confidence.
However, Benfica is no stranger to high-pressure environments, and with Ángel Di María in their ranks, they have the experience and quality to navigate tricky fixtures.
Since their opening-day loss to Famalicão, Benfica has been on an unbeaten run, showing their ability to bounce back. It’s not rare for decent teams to get humbled in the first game and then go on an unbeaten run for a few weeks.
🫶#SLBCDSC • #LigaPortugalBetclic pic.twitter.com/RVrYVO09Hj
— SL Benfica (@SLBenfica) September 14, 2024
Crvena Zvezda will need to capitalize on the energy of their home crowd and take the initiative early on, especially if they want to compete on the big European stage. However, Benfica’s quality and experience in European competitions make them a dangerous opponent, and they will not be easily rattled.
A draw or a narrow Benfica win seems likely, but Crvena Zvezda could open the scoring due to the crowd’s influence. A bet on both teams to score or Crvena Zvezda to score first could be valuable options.
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