FC Porto vs Benfica Prediction Liga Portugal 05.10.2025
Share
FC Porto vs Benfica Prediction Liga Portugal
FC Porto vs Benfica Prediction and Betting Tips for Sunday’s O Clássico at Estádio do Dragão, where the champions-in-waiting meet the league’s most unpredictable side. In this article, you’ll discover Liga Portugal Predictions from XpertStats tipsters. With both sides carrying plenty of storylines, unbeaten streaks, revenge plots, and Mourinho’s fiery touchline energy, this one promises fireworks under the northern lights.
- FC Porto have won all seven Liga matches this season, scoring 2.67 goals per game.
- Benfica remain unbeaten away in the league, with three straight wins on the road.
- Porto average just 11.67 fouls per match, while Benfica commit 17.33: a key card factor.
- Over 3.5 cards landed in 100% of Porto’s matches and 67% of Benfica’s this season.
Porto enter the match looking untouchable. Nine wins in nine across all competitions and just one goal conceded in the league. Francesco Farioli’s side play with frightening efficiency, sharp pressing, vertical passes, and clinical finishing. They’ve scored 19 times already, averaging 2.67 goals per game while keeping clean sheets in six of seven league outings. Even with Martim Fernandes suspended, the depth in this squad is unreal. Rodrigo Mora’s late Europa League winner at Red Star just added another chapter to Porto’s perfect start. But still, there’s a ghost from last season, Benfica’s 8–2 aggregate demolition. Can they finally erase that scar?
Benfica, meanwhile, arrive with something to prove. Mourinho’s return has brought energy, but the Reds are still finding rhythm. A tough 1–0 loss at Chelsea showed their fragility on big European nights. Yet domestically, they’re resilient, third in the table, 17 points from seven games, and unbeaten away. Vangelis Pavlidis is flying, scoring five already, and the Greek’s movement could test Porto’s backline. Still, Benfica’s discipline has been shaky: 17.33 fouls per match, 3.33 cards received, and a tendency to lose control in tense moments. In a packed Dragão, that could easily tip the balance.
What’s fascinating here is the clash of styles. Porto dominate possession and punish with tempo, while Benfica prefer a compact countering setup, absorbing pressure before releasing Pavlidis or Schjelderup in transition. It’s a chess match between calm precision and explosive reaction. Porto’s corners (6.33 per game) and set pieces could be decisive, especially with Farioli’s men creating over 10 corners on average per match. Benfica’s numbers there look timid, with just 2.33 corners won per game. Mourinho knows that, and he’ll want to keep the ball away from those danger zones.
Prediction-wise, it’s tight. Porto’s defense is elite, their form outrageous. Benfica have heart and a knack for spoiling parties, but their discipline, 67% of matches seeing over 5.5 cards, could betray them. This fixture has tension written all over it, and tempers might boil under the Dragão lights. A bold move? Maybe. But backing Benfica to receive more cards feels like the smart play in this O Clássico. That’s one of the strongest calls in this week’s Liga Portugal Predictions.
FC Porto coach Francesco Farioli addressed reporters ahead of Sunday’s clash with Benfica, revealing he battled a seasonal flu during the recent Europa League match against Red Star Belgrade. “I’m not joking – I had 38 degrees of fever,” he admitted, underlining his dedication despite illness. Farioli also praised José Mourinho’s experience and trophies, emphasizing mutual respect before the high-stakes O Clássico. Source: ojogo.pt.
Benfica’s physical approach under Mourinho has been both a weapon and a weakness. They average 17.33 fouls per match, the highest in the league, compared to Porto’s modest 11.67. That aggression translates directly into bookings: Benfica pick up 3.33 cards per game, with over 5.5 cards landing in 67% of their matches. In contrast, Porto’s average sits at just 2.0. Mourinho’s men will likely spend much of this match chasing the ball, as Porto dominate possession and push high through wide rotations. Under pressure at the Dragão, Benfica’s defenders, particularly Otamendi and Dahl, tend to step in late. Given the rivalry’s intensity and the stakes in the title race, this game is set to be heated. Statistically and stylistically, Benfica are simply more prone to rash challenges — making them clear favorites to receive more cards once again.
More Predictions:
