Benfica vs Bayer Leverkusen Prediction – Champions League 2025 Clash at Estádio da Luz, November 5

⚽ Benfica vs Bayer Leverkusen Match Overview

The Champions League League Phase – Round 4 brings one of the most exciting fixtures of the week: Benfica 🇵🇹 hosting Bayer Leverkusen 🇩🇪 at the majestic Estádio da Luz in Lisbon on November 5, 2025, at 21:00 CET.

Both sides have impressed in 2025 — Benfica with their attacking style and home dominance, and Leverkusen with their tactical precision and unbeaten streak across competitions. This match could prove decisive in determining who advances directly to the knockout stages of the new Champions League format.

Expect an electric night in Lisbon 🌟, with two of Europe’s most in-form clubs going head-to-head in what promises to be a tactical and emotional battle.

🔴⚪ Benfica – Current Form (2025)

Under Roger Schmidt, Benfica have continued their philosophy of high-tempo football, sharp counter-pressing, and dynamic wing play. Sitting top of Liga Portugal and performing well in Europe, the Lisbon giants have been consistent since the start of 2025.

In this Champions League phase, Benfica have collected 4 points in their first three games — drawing with Inter (1–1), defeating Slavia Prague (2–0), and losing narrowly to Manchester City (1–2). Their home performances remain outstanding, with 10 wins in their last 12 home matches at Estádio da Luz.

Key Players:

  • Ángel Di María – The veteran playmaker continues to deliver with creativity and experience.

  • Rafa Silva – A constant attacking threat with pace and vision.

  • Orkun Kökçü – The midfield general who controls the tempo and launches attacks.

  • Arthur Cabral – Rediscovering his scoring form, crucial for breaking tight defences.

Benfica’s key strength lies in their transitions — they can switch from defence to attack in seconds, often catching opponents off guard ⚡.


⚫🔴 Bayer Leverkusen – Current Form (2025)

Few teams in Europe have been as consistent in 2025 as Bayer Leverkusen under Xabi Alonso. The German side are still unbeaten in all competitions this season, leading the Bundesliga and showing remarkable balance between defence and attack.

Their Champions League campaign has been excellent — with 7 points from 3 matches, including wins against Real Sociedad (2–1) and Salzburg (3–0), plus a draw with PSG (1–1). Leverkusen’s pressing system, ball circulation, and positional rotations have made them one of the toughest sides to break down.

Key Players:

  • Florian Wirtz – The creative hub and arguably Europe’s best young playmaker.

  • Victor Boniface – A physical, energetic striker who has scored 8 goals in 2025.

  • Granit Xhaka – The experienced leader in midfield, dictating rhythm and discipline.

  • Jeremie Frimpong – A constant attacking outlet on the right flank.

Leverkusen’s ability to combine structure with creativity has made them a nightmare for opponents — averaging 2.3 goals per match in all competitions this year.


⚔️ Head-to-Head Record

Benfica and Bayer Leverkusen have met six times in UEFA competition, producing balanced results:

  • Benfica Wins: 2

  • Leverkusen Wins: 2

  • Draws: 2

Their most recent meetings came in the Europa League 2019/20, where Leverkusen won 3–1 in Germany, but Benfica managed a 1–0 home victory. Historically, matches between these sides have been tight, tactical, and often decided by a single goal.

Given both teams’ current form, this encounter could once again come down to small details and individual brilliance.


🧩 Predicted Line-ups

Benfica (4-2-3-1):
Trubin; Bah, Silva, Otamendi, Aursnes; Kökçü, Neves; Di María, Rafa Silva, Neres; Cabral.

Tactical Style: High-intensity pressing, wide overloads, and vertical passing transitions.

Bayer Leverkusen (3-4-2-1):
Hradecky; Tah, Tapsoba, Hincapié; Frimpong, Xhaka, Andrich, Grimaldo; Wirtz, Hofmann; Boniface.

Tactical Style: Controlled build-up play, flexible shape, and fast wing-backs supporting transitions.


🔍 Tactical Breakdown

The key battle will take place in midfield. Benfica’s Kökçü and Neves will try to control possession and feed the attacking trio behind Cabral, while Leverkusen’s Xhaka and Andrich will focus on disrupting rhythm and launching quick transitions.

Frimpong vs. Aursnes on the flank could be decisive — the Dutch wing-back’s pace and crossing ability will test Benfica’s defensive structure. Meanwhile, Di María and Rafa Silva will look to exploit the spaces behind Leverkusen’s wing-backs, who often push high up the pitch.

Expect Benfica to start aggressively, relying on their crowd and home advantage, while Leverkusen may adopt a patient approach, waiting for turnovers and counters.

Set pieces could play an important role, with both sides possessing excellent delivery from Grimaldo and Di María 🎯.


📊 Key Match Facts

  • Benfica are unbeaten in 10 of their last 11 home Champions League matches.

  • Bayer Leverkusen have scored in every game played in 2025.

  • Florian Wirtz has registered 6 assists and 3 goals in his last 7 games.

  • Ángel Di María has been involved in 5 goals in his last 5 European appearances.

  • Both teams average over 2.5 goals per match in their respective leagues this year.


🔮 Match Prediction

This is a meeting between two tactically sharp and attack-minded teams. Benfica’s home energy will make them dangerous, but Bayer Leverkusen’s discipline and attacking depth may help them secure a result.

Expect a thrilling, end-to-end battle with goals at both ends. The likely scenario is a competitive draw — though Leverkusen’s efficiency on the break could tilt it slightly in their favour.

Prediction 1: Both Teams to Score – Yes
Prediction 2: Over 2.5 Total Goals
Prediction 3: Draw or Bayer Leverkusen (Double Chance)

Final Score Prediction: Benfica 2–2 Bayer Leverkusen ⚽