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Benfica vs OFI Prediction: Key Stats and Betting Tips

Benfica welcome OFI to Lisbon on 10 December 2026 in a UEFA Europa League League Stage clash that could have major implications for the overall league-phase table. With all teams pooled into a single “League Round” ranking, every point is crucial for seeding and progression to the knockout rounds.

The Portuguese giants sit 4th in the League Round standings, reflecting their strong early campaign, while OFI are 25th but arrive with a perfect record from their opening two fixtures. Benfica’s attacking firepower has been one of the standout stories of the Europa League so far, while OFI’s defensive solidity has quietly turned heads. This contrast in styles sets up a compelling tactical battle for neutral fans and bettors alike.

With Benfica’s recent Europa League form surging and OFI yet to concede in the competition, this fixture shapes up as one of the more intriguing ties of the League Stage – a classic test of heavyweight attacking quality against an emerging, well-organised outsider.

Benfica vs OFI Key Stats

  • Benfica are 4th in the Europa League League Round standings, while OFI are 25th.
  • Benfica have played 6 Europa League fixtures this season, winning 4 and losing just 1, while OFI have a 100% record from 2 matches.
  • Benfica have scored 19 goals in 6 Europa League fixtures (3.2 per game), whereas OFI have yet to concede a single goal across their 2 matches.

Benfica vs OFI — Tale of the Tape

  • Position: 4 vs 25
  • Points: 0 vs 0
  • Goals For: 0 vs 0
  • Goals Against: 0 vs 0
  • Clean Sheets: Benfica 1 (tournament statistics), OFI 2 (tournament statistics)

The official League Round standings list Benfica 4th and OFI 25th, though both are still on 0 points with no group-stage matches recorded in the standings block yet. That ranking gap reflects Benfica’s status as one of the competition’s leading sides, while OFI are viewed as a mid-to-lower seed despite their bright start.

Looking at broader Europa League statistics beyond the bare table, Benfica’s six fixtures so far have produced 19 goals scored and just 6 conceded, underlining a high-tempo, front-foot approach. OFI’s sample is smaller but impressive: two wins from two, 5 goals scored and none conceded. Benfica’s attack is battle-tested over more games, but OFI’s perfect defensive record suggests they will not be easy to break down in Lisbon.

Benfica vs OFI Key Matchups

V. Pavlidis vs OFI back line

Vangelis Pavlidis has been one of the Europa League’s standout forwards for Benfica. In 3 appearances he has scored 5 goals and provided 1 assist, while also picking up 1 yellow card. His productivity is further highlighted by the fact he tops both the competition’s goals and assists charts for Benfica, showing he is not just a finisher but also a link player in the final third.

OFI do not have an individual attacker or defender listed among the competition’s top scorers or assist providers, which underlines the collective nature of their performances so far. Their defensive record – 0 goals conceded in 2 Europa League fixtures and 2 clean sheets – suggests a well-drilled back line, but they have yet to face a striker of Pavlidis’ calibre. How OFI’s centre-backs and screening midfielders handle his movement and penalty-box presence will be decisive.

Rafa vs OFI midfield unit

Rafa has been another key attacking piece for Benfica. In 4 Europa League appearances, the 33-year-old has scored 2 goals and added 1 assist, underlining his threat as a secondary scorer and creator. He has done this without collecting any yellow or red cards, suggesting disciplined involvement in advanced areas.

OFI’s midfield is built around experienced names like A. Bouchalakis and G. Kanellópoulos, but none appear in the competition’s top attacking charts. Their challenge will be to limit Rafa’s freedom between the lines, where his ability to combine with Pavlidis and wide forwards like D. Lukebakio or J. Durán can open up compact defences. If OFI’s midfield screen cannot track his runs and close his passing lanes, Benfica’s attacking superiority could quickly tell.

Head-to-Head: Last Meetings

There are no recent competitive head-to-head meetings recorded between Benfica and OFI in this Europa League campaign. This adds an element of uncertainty, with both sides relying on scouting and current form rather than historical patterns against this specific opponent.

    Benfica vs OFI Prediction

    Stats suggest a clash of extremes: Benfica’s high-powered attack against OFI’s early defensive perfection. Benfica’s recent Europa League form reads strongly (4 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss across 6 fixtures), with an average of 3.2 goals scored per game and only 1.0 conceded. OFI, meanwhile, have opened with two straight wins, scoring 2.5 per game and not conceding at all.

    The prediction model edges towards Benfica as the likely winner, but with a relatively balanced probability profile: 35% chance of a home win, 35% for a draw, and 30% for an OFI victory. That narrow spread underlines how OFI’s early performances command respect, even if Benfica’s overall quality and deeper squad give them the higher ceiling, especially at home in Lisbon.

    Given OFI’s clean-sheet record and Benfica’s tendency to control games but occasionally allow counters, this could be tighter than Benfica’s usual high-scoring outings. Expect the hosts to dominate territory and chances, but OFI’s structure should prevent a rout.

    Predicted Score: Benfica 2-1 OFI

    Benfica Recent Form

    Benfica’s broader Europa League form is excellent. Across 6 fixtures they have 4 wins, 1 draw and 1 defeat, with 19 goals scored and 6 conceded. At home they have been especially dominant, winning all 3 fixtures with 14 goals scored (4.7 per game) and only 2 conceded.

    Their recent competition form line is strong, with only one loss in their last six and a current positive streak of 2 straight wins in Europa League play. They have yet to fail to score in any of these matches and have kept 1 clean sheet, underlining a side that consistently imposes itself offensively.

    OFI Recent Form

    OFI’s Europa League story so far is short but impressive. Their form line reads as two consecutive wins, reflecting a perfect start to the campaign. They have scored 5 goals in 2 matches (3-0 at home and 0-2 away) and have yet to concede, delivering 2 clean sheets from 2 outings.

    This combination of efficiency in front of goal and flawless defending suggests OFI arrive in Lisbon with confidence. However, the small sample size and the step up in opposition quality against Benfica mean this will be their sternest examination yet.

    Benfica Possible Starting Lineup

    Likely key players (by position):
    Goalkeepers: A. Trubin, Samuel Soares, Diogo Ferreira
    Defenders: C. Lenglet, Tomás Araújo, A. Bah, S. Dahl, A. Circati, S. El Karouani
    Midfielders: João Palhinha, L. Barreiro, E. Barrenechea, H. Sudakov, J. Kamiński, Manu, Gonçalo Carvalho Moreira, C. Echeverri
    Forwards/Attackers: V. Pavlidis, Rafa, D. Lukebakio, J. Durán, G. Prestianni, Bruma, A. Schjelderup

    Benfica have the depth to rotate, but given the stakes in the League Stage, a strong XI built around Pavlidis, Rafa and a creative midfield core is likely. The presence of experienced defenders like C. Lenglet and dynamic full-back A. Bah supports their attacking style, while João Palhinha or L. Barreiro can anchor midfield. Expect a 4-2-3-1 or 4-1-3-2 structure, both of which they have used frequently in Europa League fixtures.

    OFI Possible Starting Lineup

    Likely key players (by position):
    Goalkeepers: N. Christogeorgos, P. Katsikas, K. Lilo
    Defenders: Borja González, N. Marinakis, A. Poungouras, D. Nikolaou, K. Krizmanić, K. Kostoulas
    Midfielders: A. Bouchalakis, T. Androutsos, G. Kanellópoulos, Z. Karachalios, L. Dickmann, N. Athanasiou
    Forwards/Attackers: Aitor Cantalapiedra, T. Fountas, K. Kodro, A. Leya, T. Nuss

    OFI have favoured a 3-4-3 setup in their Europa League fixtures, which suits a compact defensive block with quick transitions. Expect a back three protected by industrious wing-backs and a hard-working midfield, with attackers like Aitor Cantalapiedra or T. Fountas providing the main threat on the break. Their clean-sheet record suggests strong organisation and discipline, crucial qualities for an away trip to a side of Benfica’s calibre.

    Benfica Team News

    No significant absences reported.

    OFI Team News

    No significant absences reported.

    Injuries & Suspensions

    Benfica:

    • None reported.

    OFI:

    • None reported.

    Betting Tips: Benfica vs OFI

    Exactly 3 distinct betting angles based on current stats and probabilities:

    • Result Tip: Back Benfica in the 1X2 market. With a 35% implied chance of a home win versus 30% for OFI and 35% for the draw, combined with Benfica’s 4 wins from 6 Europa League fixtures and a formidable home scoring record (14 goals in 3 matches), the hosts look the more reliable side to edge this contest.
    • Goals Tip: Over 2.5 total goals. Benfica’s matches average 3.2 goals per game in the Europa League (19 for, 6 against in 6 fixtures), and they have gone over 2.5 goals in 4 of those 6. OFI have scored 5 in 2 games (2.5 per match). Even allowing for OFI’s strong defence, the attacking profiles point towards a game with at least three goals.
    • Value Tip: V. Pavlidis to score anytime. The Benfica forward has 5 goals and 1 assist in just 3 Europa League appearances and is also among the competition’s leaders for yellow cards, reflecting his constant involvement in duels in the box. Against an OFI side that has yet to face this level of attacking quality, Pavlidis’ scoring form offers standout individual value in the goalscorer markets.

    Odds are accurate at the time of writing and subject to change. Please gamble responsibly.

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