Champions League: Benfica vs. Club Brugge Preview, Odds, Prediction (Mar 7)

Everyone expects this to be a routine for Benfica after an easy win in the opening clash in Brugge. But since this is the UEFA Champions League, where everything is possible, things are more complex than many think. Benfica is in excellent form, leading the way in the Portuguese league and pushing well on all fronts. Meanwhile, Club Brugge isn’t as dominant in the domestic championship as before, but they are still dangerous. And what puts them in a good situation here would be the absence of any pressure, as many believe they are already eliminated.

Benfica vs. Club Brugge Preview

Benfica (-250) defeated Famalicao on Friday night after a routine performance in which they didn’t spend too much energy, trying to preserve their health and focus on the UCL. The Eagles held everything in their hands, not allowing the guests to have a single shot on target, nor to create a decent chance.

Meanwhile, the Portuguese powerhouse made seven shots on target and 19 towards the goal, pressuring the rivals in all the areas of the pitch. Things would have been nasty for the visitors if it weren’t for Famalicao’s goalkeeper. He had five saves.

This was the fourth win in a row for the Eagles, who are now 11 points clear of Porto, but with a game more than the Dragons. In these four victories, the defense allowed just one goal, and that’s another sign of their solid form.

Club Brugge (+650) is not in a good place. They had a bunch of ties recently, and afterward began losing events. In the past five, Brugge has two losses and ties with a win, and over the past ten events, they’ve competed in six matches without winners. 

Their defense is arguably the most problematic part of the unit. Scott Parker’s crew kept only two clean sheets in 10 games, while on the other side allowed two or more goals in three of the previous four contests.

An intro for this matchup wasn’t good at all, because Brugge lost on the road in Oostende, 3-0, and we need to say that the rivals are one mediocre team. The Belgian champs have three losses and three ties on the road in the past seven outings, with the sole win coming back in late January against Waregem, 1-2. 

Benfica vs. Club Brugge Latest News

Mihailo Ristic and Julian Draxler are absent due to injuries, Ristic with his muscle problems and Draxler having ankle trouble. 

Jack Hendry is not available, while Andreas Skov Olsen might be in the protocol, but that will be a game-time decision.

Benfica vs. Club Brugge Head to Head

The first game ended 0-2 in Benfica’s favor, and the way it went, it could have been an even greater victory for the Eagles. They patiently outplayed the rivals, searching for their weak spots and cleverly utilizing them. Overall, there was no chance for the hosts to avoid failure. 

Benfica vs. Club Brugge Prediction

Benfica will win here, and besides that, we expect them to do it while scoring at least two goals. There is no other option for the guests but to attack, and when they open, the Eagles will start scoring. Brugge’s defense is terrible, and even if the situation was reversed, with them having a 2-0 lead, we still believe that the hosts would pack a few goals in their net. 

Pick: Benfica to win and over 1.5 -200

Here are more UEFA Champions League Round of 16 previews:

• Bayern Munich vs. PSG
• Chelsea vs. Borussia Dortmund