FK Crvena Zvezda-Benfica - Champions League 2024/2025 Statistical Preview

Teams' Recent Form

FK Crvena Zvezda has been in excellent form lately, winning their last five matches in all competitions. They have scored 14 goals in those matches and conceded just 2, which is a testament to their attacking prowess and defensive solidity. Benfica, on the other hand, has been somewhat inconsistent in recent weeks. They have won three of their last five matches, but they have also lost two. They have scored 9 goals in those matches and conceded 6, so they will need to be more clinical in front of goal if they want to beat Crvena Zvezda.

Head-to-Head Record

The two teams have met twice before in European competition, with Benfica winning both matches. The first meeting was in the 1963-64 European Cup semi-finals, which Benfica won 5-1 on aggregate. The second meeting was in the 1990-91 European Cup quarter-finals, which Benfica won 3-0 on aggregate. However, Crvena Zvezda will be confident of causing an upset this time around, as they have a strong team and a passionate home crowd behind them.

Key Players

* FK Crvena Zvezda: Aleksandar Katai, Osman Bukari, Gheorghe Hagi * Benfica: Joao Mario, Goncalo Ramos, David Neres These players will be key for their respective teams in this match. Katai is Crvena Zvezda's leading scorer this season with 10 goals in all competitions, and he will be looking to add to his tally against Benfica. Bukari is another dangerous attacker for Crvena Zvezda, and he will be hoping to use his pace and skill to cause problems for the Benfica defense. Hagi is a veteran midfielder who brings experience and quality to the Crvena Zvezda team. For Benfica, Joao Mario is the key player in midfield. He is a creative and intelligent player who can dictate the tempo of the game. Ramos is Benfica's leading scorer this season with 9 goals in all competitions, and he will be looking to continue his goalscoring form against Crvena Zvezda. Neres is a talented winger who has been in good form for Benfica this season, and he will be looking to use his skills to create chances for his teammates.

Predicted Lineup

* FK Crvena Zvezda: Borjan; Erakovic, Milunovic, Pankov, Rodic; Bukari, Kanga, Katai, Hagi; Pesic, Ivanic * Benfica: Vlachodimos; Bah, Silva, Otamendi, Grimaldo; Joao Mario, Fernandez, Chiquinho; Neres, Ramos, Aursnes

Prediction

This is a tough match to call, as both teams are in good form and have quality players. However, Crvena Zvezda will be confident of winning at home, and they will be backed by a passionate crowd. Benfica has a good record against Crvena Zvezda, but they will need to be at their best if they want to win in Belgrade. Overall, I predict a close match with Crvena Zvezda winning 2-1.