The 2022-23 UEFA Champions League Round of 16 is upon us, so we are breaking down the first leg from Jan Breydel Stadion in Brugge, Belgium, where Club Brugge takes on the Portuguese heavyweights Benfica.
Club Brugge – Benfica Betting Tip, Prediction & Odds (15.2.2023)
Many didn’t expect to see Club Brugge and Benfica in the knock-out stage of the 2022-23 UEFA Champions League, but these two teams have done an outstanding job in the group phase and fully deserved a place in the Round of 16. Club Brugge is now a massive 151.00 underdog to go all the way, whereas Benfica sits at 29.00 to lift the trophy.
Club Brugge vs. Benfica: Initial Situation
The Blue-Black finished the group phase second in Group B with 11 points (W3, D2, L1) and a 7:4 goal difference, one point behind Porto and six above Bayer Leverkusen and Atletico Madrid. On the other side, Benfica topped Group H ahead of Paris SG and Juventus, tallying 14 points (W4, D2) and a 16:7 goal difference.
Club Brugge Stats & Form
Club Brugge is undefeated in six straight games, but the Blue-Black have only recorded one victory in that stretch. In two outings so far this month, they’ve drawn against Antwerp 0-0 on the road and Royale Union SG 1-1 at home. Club Brugge is winless in six consecutive showings in front of the home fans, recording five draws and a loss in the process.
The Blue-Black cannot count on their top goalscorer Ferran Jutgla, who’s accounted for ten goals and seven assists in 30 appearances so far this season. Jutgla is out with a hip injury, while midfielder Andreas Skov Olsen (nine goals and four assists) is doubtful to play Saturday due to a hip injury. Keep your eyes on the 30-year-old midfielder Hans Vanaken, who has eight goals and five assists in 34 apps this season.
Benfica Stats & Form
The Eagles stopped their four-game winning streak last Thursday, suffering a heartbreaking loss against Braga in a penalty shootout in the quarterfinals of the Portuguese Cup. During their winning run, the Eagles haven’t conceded a single goal, outlasting Santa Clara 3-0, Pacos de Ferreira 2-0, Arouca 3-0, and Casa Pia 3-0. They’ve won four of their last five games on the road while posting an 11:1 goal difference.
Benfica might miss forward Rafa Silva (11 goals and seven assists), but all other players are ready to go. Joao Mario (16 goals and nine assists), Goncalo Ramos (18 goals and seven assists), and David Neres (eight goals and 11 dishes) are key players in this Benfica team.
Club Brugge – Benfica: Head-to-Head
Club Brugge and Benfica have never met before.
Club Brugge – Benfica Odds
The bookmakers consider Benfica as a surefire fave to qualify for the next round. Still, the odds on both teams to score in the first leg are set at 1.73 on Unibet Sportsbook, while the Over 2.5 Goals pays 1.87 on bet365.
Without their leading goalscorer, the hosts will have a mountain to climb in the first leg of this matchup. They’ve struggled mightily since the World Cup break, so I’m expecting Benfica to storm the front and grab a victory at Jan Breydel Stadion. The Eagles are a solid defensive team, and their offense is arguably much better than Club Brugge’s. Benfica should dominate in the middle of the park behind Joao Mario, who’s enjoying a wonderful season, while Enzo Fernandez (four goals and seven assists) is another Benfica midfielder to keep your eyes on.
Betting tip and prediction: Club Brugge – Benfica (15.2.2023)