Chaves — Benfica : Match Preview and Prediction for October 17,2025

Manager’s Candid Assessment

Chaves’ coach, Filipe Martins, effectively admitted his team’s significant limitations during the pre-match press conference. His remarks about needing to “play on the edge of perfection” and hoping that “Benfica will be off their game” serve as a direct acknowledgement of the immense class disparity between the two sides. He is already setting expectations for his team to spend the majority of the match deep in their own half, focused solely on defense.

Tactical Straitjacket

Such a conservative tactical approach leaves Chaves with virtually no opportunity for meaningful attacking play. When a team from the second division attempts to contain a powerhouse for the entire 90 minutes, they simply run out of energy and resources for any counter-attacking efforts. This grim reality is further underscored by the devastating head-to-head statistics: Chaves has failed to score in four of their last five encounters against Benfica.

Systemic Scoring Struggles

Furthermore, the trend of losing without scoring is a systemic issue for Chaves in this fixture. In six of the last eight direct confrontations, Chaves has been defeated without managing to even register a goal. This clearly indicates that Chaves’ attack simply lacks the necessary tools and quality to penetrate the elite defense of the Lisbon giants.

Mourinho’s Unwavering Resolve

Any notions of “the Eagles” potentially relaxing for this cup tie are immediately dismissed by Jose Mourinho’s clear statements. He unequivocally declared: “I will change very little in the squad.” This strongly implies that a nearly full-strength, competitive starting eleven will take the field. For Mourinho, cup matches are not experimental playgrounds but crucial steps towards securing another trophy.

Defensive Masterclass

The cornerstone of the current Benfica team is their impeccable defensive organization. Mourinho proudly emphasizes: “So far, we have not been overwhelmed in any game. Neither Chelsea nor Porto were able to dominate us.” In their last match before the international break, Benfica effectively stifled Porto’s formidable attack away from home in a 0-0 draw, limiting their rivals to a mere 0.65 xG.

Overwhelming Defensive Superiority

This statistic speaks volumes, more eloquently than any superlatives. If one of the league’s top teams, playing at home, cannot create meaningful opportunities against Benfica, what can be expected from a lower-division side? Defensive solidity is the Eagles’ primary strength, and it is poised to be the decisive factor in this encounter. Even the announced start for goalkeeper Samuel Soares should not cause concern – Mourinho has publicly expressed his full confidence in him, calling him an “excellent goalkeeper” who has earned his opportunity.