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 - 6 clash that could prove important for seeding and momentum heading into the knockout phase. Although the standings table lists both sides on zero games played and zero points, wider tournament statistics show Benfica already operating as one of the competition’s most explosive attacking units, while OFI have been one of the surprise packages with a perfect start and a flawless defensive record.

With Benfica currently ranked 4th in the overall League Round table and OFI down in 25th, this fixture pitches a traditional European force against a side looking to consolidate its emergence on the continental stage. For those searching for Benfica vs OFI prediction angles and Europa League betting tips, the contrast between Benfica’s attacking firepower and OFI’s defensive solidity shapes up as the defining theme of this match-up.

Played in Lisbon, Benfica will expect to dominate territory and possession, but OFI arrive with two wins from two and no goals conceded in the competition so far. That makes this an intriguing stylistic clash for neutrals and bettors alike.

Benfica vs OFI Key Stats

• Benfica are ranked 4th in the Europa League League Round table, while OFI sit 25th, both officially on 0 points and 0 games in the standings snapshot.
• There are no previous head-to-head meetings recorded between Benfica and OFI in this competition.
• Across 6 Europa League fixtures this season, Benfica have scored 19 goals (3.2 per game) and conceded 6 (1.0 per game), while OFI have scored 5 and conceded 0 in 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 vs OFI 2 (tournament statistics)

The official League Round standings still show both clubs with zero games played, so rank and points alone do not yet tell the full story. Benfica’s 4th place suggests they are projected among the stronger sides in the competition, whereas OFI’s 25th position underlines their status as outsiders at this level.

However, when you look at the wider Europa League statistics, Benfica have already put together a strong body of work: 4 wins from 6, 19 goals scored and only 6 conceded. OFI’s sample is smaller but impressive — two wins from two, 5 goals scored and none allowed, plus two clean sheets. Benfica’s edge in attacking volume and experience is clear, but OFI’s early defensive numbers show they are not here to make up the numbers.

Benfica vs OFI Key Matchups

V. Pavlidis vs OFI back line

With no OFI players appearing in the Europa League top scorers or assists lists, the standout individual battle is between Benfica’s leading marksman Vangelis Pavlidis and the Greek side’s collective defensive unit. Pavlidis has been one of the competition’s most dangerous forwards so far, scoring 5 goals and adding 1 assist in just 3 appearances. He has also picked up 1 yellow card, underlining his combative edge in the final third.

Benfica’s entire attacking structure is built to supply Pavlidis, and his combination of movement and finishing has underpinned Benfica’s 3.2 goals-per-game average in the competition. For OFI, who have yet to concede in 2 Europa League matches, containing Pavlidis in and around the box will be absolutely critical if they are to extend their perfect defensive run.

Rafa vs OFI midfield unit

Rafa provides the creative spark behind Benfica’s front line. In 4 Europa League appearances, the 33-year-old has contributed 2 goals and 1 assist, making him both a secondary scorer and a key link player. His ability to drift into pockets and combine with Pavlidis and the wide forwards is central to Benfica’s attacking rhythm.

OFI’s midfield will need to be compact and disciplined to track Rafa’s movement between the lines. If they allow him time to turn and run at the back three that OFI have typically used (3-4-3 across 2 matches), the Greek side’s clean-sheet record will come under serious threat.

Head-to-Head: Last Meetings

Benfica and OFI have no recorded recent meetings in the Europa League or in the provided data set. This will therefore be a fresh tactical contest with no direct historical reference point between the clubs.

Benfica vs OFI Prediction

Stats suggest a clash of extremes: Benfica bring one of the competition’s most potent attacks, while OFI arrive with a perfect defensive record over a smaller sample of games. Benfica’s recent tournament form is strong — their broader Europa League record shows 4 wins, 1 draw and just 1 defeat in 6 fixtures, with 14 goals scored at home and only 2 conceded. OFI, for their part, have won both of their matches, scoring 3 at home and 2 away, and have yet to concede.

The prediction model leans towards Benfica as the likely winner, but not overwhelmingly. The win probabilities are relatively balanced: 35% for a Benfica win, 35% for the draw, and 30% for an OFI victory. That reflects respect for OFI’s early form and defensive resilience. Still, Benfica’s superior attacking metrics, deeper squad and home advantage in Lisbon should tilt a tight game in their favour, even if OFI make them work hard for clear chances.

Predicted Score: Benfica 2-1 OFI

Benfica Recent Form

Benfica’s recent Europa League form has been impressive. Their broader tournament form string reads as a strong sequence with more wins than any other result, underpinned by 4 victories in 6 matches, 19 goals scored and only 6 conceded. At home in Europe they have been particularly ruthless, averaging 4.7 goals per game (14 in 3 fixtures) while allowing just 0.7 per match. They have also kept 1 clean sheet in the competition and have yet to fail to score in any of their 6 Europa League outings.

OFI Recent Form

OFI’s recent Europa League form is short but flawless. With 2 wins from 2 matches, they boast a 100% record, scoring 5 goals and conceding none. They have kept clean sheets both home and away and have averaged 2.5 goals per game. While the sample size is small compared to Benfica’s, OFI’s combination of efficient attacking and perfect defensive record marks them out as a dangerous opponent, particularly if they can frustrate Benfica and exploit transitions.

Benfica Possible Starting Lineup

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

Benfica have the depth to rotate, but the Europa League statistics suggest a core built around Pavlidis up front, supported by Rafa and other creative midfielders such as H. Sudakov and J. Kamiński. At the back, C. Lenglet and Tomás Araújo have both contributed goals from defence, indicating a threat on set pieces. The side has mostly lined up in 4-2-3-1 or 4-1-3-2 across the tournament, systems that maximise their attacking width and allow them to flood the box with runners. With no reported injuries, Roger Schmidt (or the current coach) can select an aggressive XI to press OFI high and sustain pressure.

OFI Possible Starting Lineup

Likely key players (grouped by position):
Goalkeepers: N. Christogeorgos, P. Katsikas, K. Lilo
Defenders: Borja González, N. Marinakis, A. Poungouras, D. Nikolaou, K. Krizmanić, C. Sielis, 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, G. Theodosoulakis

OFI have consistently used a 3-4-3 shape in their two Europa League outings, prioritising a solid back three shielded by hardworking wing-backs and a compact midfield. Veterans like A. Bouchalakis and T. Fountas provide experience and quality in key areas, while forwards such as K. Kodro and Aitor Cantalapiedra can threaten on the counter. Their tactical identity in Europe so far has been built on defensive organisation — 2 clean sheets in 2 matches — and quick transitions rather than sustained possession.

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

Based on the available statistics and win probabilities, here are three betting angles to consider:

• Result Tip: Back Benfica to win. The prediction model gives Benfica a 35% chance of victory compared to 30% for OFI, with the draw also at 35%. Benfica’s attacking output — 19 goals in 6 Europa League matches — and home advantage in Lisbon make them the marginally stronger pick, even against an OFI side yet to concede.
• Goals Tip: Over 2.5 total goals. Benfica’s matches in Europe have been high-scoring: they average 3.2 goals scored per game and 1.0 conceded, with 4 of their 6 fixtures going over 2.5 goals according to the goals thresholds. OFI average 2.5 goals scored per game themselves. This profile points towards a game with at least three goals if OFI’s resistance is finally broken.
• Value Tip: V. Pavlidis to score anytime. With 5 goals and 1 assist in just 3 Europa League appearances, Pavlidis is Benfica’s primary goal threat and one of the competition’s form forwards. OFI’s perfect defensive record will attract some attention, but backing Pavlidis to find the net offers a strong player-focused angle given his current output and Benfica’s volume of chances.

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