Spartak Moscow vs Benfica Lisbon Prediction & Betting Tips - Champions League

Prediction published on 02/08/2021, 13:00  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 02/08/2021 at 17:35 in Champions League Prediction

Benfica kick-start their competitive campaign in the new season, travelling to the Otkritie Bank Arena to battle Spartak Moscow in the third round of qualification for the UEFA Champions League. Jorge Jesus’ side finished third in the Primeira League last season to earn their place in the qualifiers. The Belgian side look defensively comfortable so far, conceding just three goals in the five pre-season games, including a 1-1 draw with Marseille and 1-0 win over Lille. Benfica have a poor away record in the Champions League but will hope to bring home a good result from Moscow. They made some high profile signings for the new season with the likes of Joao Mario, Soualiho Meite, and Roman Yaremchuk. 

Spartak Moscow’s manager Rui Vitoria faces a loyalty test as he is up against his former club Benfica. They have had a bittersweet start to the new season winning 1-0 over Kryla Sovetov courtesy of a spot-kick from Aleksandr Sobolev after Vitoria’ men begun their league campaign with a 1-0 loss to Rubin Kazan. Spartak have a five-match unbeaten run at home across all competition since the 1-0 loss to FC Rostov back in October. They have not been able to play in Europe in the last two seasons, dropping out of contention at this very stage to PAOK during the 2018-19 season. Spartak and Benfica last faced each other in the group stages of the Champions League back in 2012 and are tied 1-1 on head to head.