Boavista and Benfica will clash at the Estadio do Bessa XXI on Monday in another round of the 2024-25 Primeira Liga campaign. The home side have had mixed results in their league campaign so far and now find themselves 13th in the league table with just five points from a potential 15. They played out a 2-2 draw against Estrela Amadora last time out, with Bruno Onyemaechi and Ilija Vukotic getting on the scoresheet in the first half before their opponents leveled the scores midway through the second. Meanwhile, Benfica parted ways with head coach Roger Schmidt after a slow start to their season and have now reappointed Bruno Lage as the new manager as they target a return to the pinnacle of Portuguese football. They beat Santa Clara 4-1 in Lage's first game back at the club, with four different players finding the back of the net including new signing Kerem Akturkoglu who netted a debut goal. The visitors now sit sixth in the table with 10 points from five matches and will be looking to add to that tally this week.
Boavista are on a run of back-to-back draws and are without a win in their last four matches. They are winless in their last six games at Estadio do Bessa XXI and could struggle here. Benfica, meanwhile, are on a run of consecutive victories and are undefeated in their last five matches. They are in much better form than their midweek opponents and should win this one fairly easily.
Benfica's Momentum
Benfica's recent performances have been encouraging, and they'll be hoping to carry their momentum into this clash. Their 2-1 victory over Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League was a testament to their resilience and attacking prowess. The team has shown great strength under the leadership of Bruno Lage, who has instilled a sense of purpose and determination within the squad. The addition of Kerem Akturkoglu has also provided a much-needed boost to the team's attack, as he has shown himself to be a lethal finisher.
Boavista's Struggles
Boavista, on the other hand, have been struggling to find their footing in the league. They have only managed five points from their first five games and are yet to win at home in their last six matches. They are a team in transition and will be hoping to turn their fortunes around soon. However, facing a resurgent Benfica will be a daunting task for them. This is particularly true given the defensive struggles of Boavista, who have conceded at least a goal in four of their last five matches.
Head-to-Head
Historically, Benfica has dominated the head-to-head encounters between the two teams. They have won 78 out of 133 matches, while Boavista has won 21. Benfica is currently on a positive run against Boavista, having won their last two meetings. In January, Benfica hosted Boavista and won 2-0. In August 2023, Boavista hosted Benfica and won 3-2. And in February 2023, Benfica won 3-1 at home. These factors contribute to a sense of confidence for the Eagles entering this match.
Key Players
The key players for Benfica will be Kerem Akturkoglu, Angel Di Maria, and Vangelis Pavlidis. Akturkoglu has shown himself to be a lethal finisher, Di Maria is a creative force, and Pavlidis has a proven track record in scoring goals. For Boavista, Ilija Vukotic and Bruno Onyemaechi will be crucial in the attack. They need to find a way to get past the strong Benfica defense.
Prediction
Given Benfica's current form and Boavista's struggles, the prediction for this match is a comfortable victory for Benfica. Benfica should be able to capitalize on their strong attack and take all three points.
Boavista's Confidence
Boavista coach Cristiano Bacci has expressed confidence in his team's ability to secure a good result against the Eagles, despite acknowledging the strength of Benfica. He believes that the positive impact of recent changes has given the team a boost in confidence. Bacci also highlights the importance of providing opportunities for young players, stating that he remains uncertain about which youngster will make their debut as a ninth player.
Benfica's Focus
Bruno Lage has emphasized the importance of remaining focused on the match ahead, despite the recent victory in the Champions League. He has stressed that there is no room for complacency and that the team needs to maintain the same level of intensity and determination. Lage is aiming to create a winning mentality and has praised the team's progress in terms of physical, technical, and tactical development.
The Importance of the Match
This match will be a crucial one for both sides. For Benfica, it's an opportunity to continue their strong start to the season and build momentum. For Boavista, it's a chance to regain some confidence and show that they can compete against the league's best teams. It promises to be an exciting and competitive encounter between two teams with different goals and ambitions. With both teams eager to win, this match is sure to be a captivating spectacle for fans of Portuguese football.
How to Watch
Where to Find Updates
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Final Thoughts
With a strong Benfica team looking to maintain its winning momentum and a struggling Boavista side in search of a turnaround, this match has the potential to be a compelling clash of styles. Boavista will need to pull off a remarkable upset to stop a Benfica side that's rediscovering its confidence and scoring with ease. Benfica's impressive run, coupled with the Eagles' historical dominance over Boavista, makes it a safe bet that the Eagles will be soaring at the Estadio do Bessa on Monday. However, there's always a chance for the underdog to shine, and this match could turn into a thrilling encounter if Boavista can find a way to unlock their offensive potential and neutralize Benfica's attacking prowess.
