Santa Clara vs Benfica — Tips & Analysis

Santa Clara +1.5: The last three times these two met, the game finished inside a goal: 1-2, 1-1 and 0-1. That is the pattern we are backing again. Santa Clara are awkward to beat on their own ground. They have won 4, tied 2 and lost 1 at home, letting in less than a goal a game there. Across their last 15 games they have lost by 2 or more goals only once. Benfica are the better team by a distance. They have won 13 of their last 17 and score just over 3 goals a game. But they fly out to the Azores on 4 days' rest after a Europa League night in Cyprus. Santa Clara have had 8 days to get ready. Expect the hosts to sit deep and defend for an hour, with Benfica needing patience before their quality shows. A 1-2 Benfica win looks the most likely result, and Santa Clara staying within a goal is just what this pick needs. There is real danger here. Benfica have won by 2 or more goals in 12 of their last 17 games, so they can put this out of sight. Santa Clara's strong home record also came against mid-table attacks, and Benfica are a clear step up from those. We still think the hosts keep this close.