OGC Nice vs S.L. Benfica Prediction 6 August 2025

For Nice, this marks a rare appearance in Europe’s top competition - their first this century - earned by finishing fourth in Ligue 1. Their preseason has been active and fairly successful, with wins over Cercle Brugge, Oban, Feyenoord, and Sheffield United, a draw against Nancy, and only one loss to St. Pauli. These results suggest a team growing in confidence and attacking fluency.

Benfica, meanwhile, enter the tie with greater pedigree and recent European exposure. They lifted the Portuguese Super Cup after edging rivals Sporting 1-0 and earlier beat Fenerbahçe 3-2 in a friendly. However, their Club World Cup campaign in June ended prematurely with a heavy 1-4 defeat to Chelsea, raising some questions about their defensive solidity against top-level opposition.

While Benfica are certainly the more seasoned side in European competitions, Nice will not be overawed - especially on home soil. Given their energetic build-up and attacking potential, the French outfit are well-positioned to make a strong first impression. A draw seems well within reach for the hosts, and an upset result is not off the table.

Nice not to lose (1X) 1.63