Benfica have won every match this season but historically struggle against Bayern: prediction for Benfica (W) — Bayern (W)
SL Benfica
Bayern Munich
The second-round match of the Women's Champions League league phase between Benfica and Bayern will take place on September 30. The Portuguese side opened their campaign with a 2-1 away win over Juventus, while the Munich club surrendered a two-goal lead against Manchester City and settled for a 2-2 draw.
Benfica: a perfect start and maximum lineup stability
Benfica have won every competitive match this season. The team lifted the Portuguese Super Cup after thrashing Porto 5-1, then beat Racing Power and Rio Ave without conceding, before securing an important Champions League victory over Juventus thanks to a brace from Marit Bratberg Lund.
The coaching staff hardly changes the starting lineup, regardless of the opponent's level. Only one or two positions are usually rotated, which is why cohesion remains one of the Portuguese side's biggest strengths.
Bayern: a powerful attack, but the defense is giving opponents chances
Bayern have won every match on the domestic stage, including the German Super Cup and the opening five league fixtures. In the German Cup, the Munich side also edged past Borussia Mönchengladbach 2-1, largely with a reserve lineup.
At the same time, the defense remains a vulnerable area. Bayern have kept just two clean sheets in eight competitive matches this season, while in September they allowed their opponents to score twice in three consecutive games.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Benfica have won every competitive match this season.
- Bayern have won three of their previous four meetings, with the other ending in a goalless draw.
- Both teams have scored in six of their last 10 matches.
The visitors' class could outweigh the hosts' form: prediction for Benfica (W) — Bayern (W)
Benfica come into the match in excellent shape and are more than capable of exploiting Bayern's defensive problems. Given their current form and lineup stability, a goal for the hosts looks like a realistic prospect.
However, Bayern remain the stronger side in terms of squad depth and attacking firepower. The German club have historically performed well against Benfica and, even with an inconsistent defense, should create enough chances to secure victory.
