Benfica vs Qarabag preview, prediction, head-to-head, team news, possible line-ups, and betting tips

Adesoji Michael

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4 Minutes Read
September 15, 2025

The Estádio da Luz, Lisbon’s iconic “Cathedral,” provides a stunning backdrop as Portuguese giants Benfica kick off their UEFA Champions League campaign against Azerbaijani champions Qarabağ FK. This opening group stage match sees Roger Schmidt’s attack-minded Benfica, fresh from a strong start to their domestic season, as heavy favourites against Gurban Gurbanov’s resilient and experienced Qarabağ side. While on paper it may seem a straightforward home victory, Qarabağ have a reputation for being a well-drilled unit capable of frustrating more illustrious opponents, making this an intriguing fixture for bettors to analyze.

As the European season gets underway, this comprehensive match preview will delve into the critical statistics, team updates, and tactical considerations. For Benfica, securing a convincing win on home turf is non-negotiable to set the tone for a successful group stage campaign. Conversely, Qarabağ will be looking to pull off a significant upset and prove they are not just here to make up the numbers, aiming to leverage their tactical discipline to silence the vociferous home crowd.

Benfica vs Qarabağ Match Preview

Team Recent Form

The form below is based on the last 5 official match results for both teams leading up to this hypothetical fixture in September 2025.

Benfica: WWWLW

Qarabağ: WDWWW

Key Stats

Fortress da Luz: Benfica are unbeaten in their last 14 European home games (W10, D4), making their stadium a true fortress in continental competition.
Qarabağ’s Goal-Scoring Streak: The Azerbaijani side have found the back of the net in 18 of their last 20 matches across all competitions, demonstrating consistent attacking threat.
Dominant First Half: Benfica have been leading at half-time in six of their last eight home victories in the Champions League group stage.

I predict a comfortable 3-0 victory for Benfica. The Portuguese side possesses a significant gulf in class and quality across the pitch. Playing at the Estádio da Luz is a daunting task for any visiting team, and I expect Benfica’s high-pressing, attacking football under Roger Schmidt to overwhelm Qarabağ from the outset. With world-class talents like Ángel Di María and David Neres likely pulling the strings, Benfica should create numerous chances and have the clinical finishing to put the game to bed early. While Qarabağ are a disciplined side, their defence will likely struggle to contain the relentless offensive waves from the hosts.

Benfica vs Qarabağ H2H

As there have been no prior competitive meetings, the H2H stats focus on relevant European context.

This match marks the first-ever official competitive encounter between Benfica and Qarabağ FK.
Benfica’s last meeting with Azerbaijani opposition resulted in a 3-0 aggregate victory over Neftçi Baku in a 2013 friendly.
Qarabağ have failed to win in their four previous encounters with Portuguese teams (D1, L3), all against Sporting CP.
Qarabağ have conceded two or more goals in each of their previous away matches against Portuguese opposition.

Pre-game Odds

Benfica Win: 1.20
Draw: 6.50
Qarabağ Win: 13.00

Team News Benfica

Roger Schmidt has the luxury of a nearly fully fit squad for the Champions League opener. Central defender and captain Nicolás Otamendi will marshal the backline after being rested during the weekend’s domestic fixture. Star winger Ángel Di María, who has been in scintillating form, is expected to start, alongside striker Arthur Cabral, who will lead the line. Juan Bernat remains the only long-term absentee with a knee injury, with David Jurásek set to continue at left-back.

Team News Qarabağ

Qarabağ manager Gurban Gurbanov will be without key central midfielder Marko Janković, who is serving a suspension following an accumulation of yellow cards during the qualifying rounds. His absence is a significant blow to the team’s midfield stability. Brazilian forward Juninho is expected to be the main attacking outlet, having been in prolific form in the Azerbaijani league. The rest of the squad is fit and available for selection, and they are expected to set up in a compact, defensive formation.