Nice vs Benfica Prediction, Preview, News, Odds: 6/8/2025

The city of Nice, known for its sun-drenched coastline, is also nurturing a rising football force ready to assert itself on Europe’s most prestigious stage. OGC Nice has undergone a rejuvenating transformation, blending youthful energy with established talent.

Defensively anchored by Jean-Clair Todibo and offensively sparked by Jérémie Boga, the team has shown signs of tactical evolution. In midfield, Khéphren Thuram’s growing influence provides both structure and creativity. This reshaped squad, built on strategic acquisitions and a strong team ethos, reflects a club eager to break past its domestic reputation and make a name in continental competition.

Benfica’s Blueprint for Success Under Bruno Lage

Across the continent in Portugal’s capital, Benfica is demonstrating what continuity and calculated reinvention can achieve. With Bruno Lage returning to the managerial role, the Lisbon giants have found a renewed sense of purpose. Lage’s tactical rigor and familiarity with the club have reinvigorated the squad, which now boasts a healthy mix of seasoned veterans and youthful stars. Nicolás Otamendi brings leadership at the back, while António Silva and Gianluca Prestianni represent the club’s commitment to youth development. In the attack, Vangelis Pavlidis offers a consistent goal threat, supported by Fredrik Aursnes’s command in midfield. Benfica’s roster isn’t just talented—it’s strategically constructed for both immediate impact and long-term growth.

A Tale of Two Forms: Flashes vs. Consistency

Nice’s journey into this matchup has been marked by moments of brilliance, tempered by inconsistency. Wins over Sheffield United and Feyenoord showed the team’s attacking capabilities and finishing grit. However, their slip-up against St. Pauli highlighted lingering defensive concerns under pressure. A clean sheet against Aubagne suggested progress, but facing a club of Benfica’s calibre will require far more than sporadic solidity.

Benfica, in contrast, is a model of calculated efficiency. Recent narrow wins over top-tier opponents like Bayern Munich and Sporting CP showcase their ability to manage high-pressure encounters. Their emphatic 6–0 rout of Auckland City underscored their capacity to punish lapses with ruthless precision. This duality—grinding out results or overwhelming opponents—makes them a formidable challenge for any team, especially one still finding its identity.

Prediction

As both clubs prepare to face off, the contrast in approach is clear: Nice leans into spontaneous, attacking football, while Benfica thrives on structure and control. That dynamic could tilt the balance in Benfica’s favor, particularly if the Portuguese side succeeds in dictating the pace early.

A projected 3–1 victory for Benfica reflects more than just superior form—it speaks to a side with the discipline to adapt and the confidence to execute. While Nice might manage a spark of creativity and net a consolation goal on home turf, Benfica’s balanced attack and tight defensive shape should carry them through, especially in the second half when fatigue and gaps often surface.

Prediction: Nice 1:3 Benfica