S.L. Benfica and FK Crvena zvezda to Battle in UEFA Champions League Play-Off

Lisbon Giants Face Serbian Champions for a Place in the Group Stage

Two Historic Clubs Vie for European Glory

S.L. Benfica, the Primeira Liga champions, will host FK Crvena zvezda, the Serbian SuperLiga winners, in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League play-off tie on Tuesday, August 16th. The second leg will be played in Belgrade on Wednesday, August 24th.

Benfica, one of the most successful clubs in Portuguese history, will be looking to reach the group stage of the Champions League for the seventh time in the past eight seasons. The Eagles have won the Primeira Liga a record 37 times and have also lifted the European Cup twice.

Crvena zvezda, known as Red Star Belgrade, is one of the most successful clubs in Serbian history. The Red-Whites have won the Serbian SuperLiga 32 times and have also lifted the European Cup once, in 1991.

The match between Benfica and Crvena zvezda is expected to be a close and competitive affair. Both teams have a wealth of experience in European competition and will be determined to reach the group stage of the Champions League.

Key Players to Watch

• Benfica: Darwin Núñez, Joao Mario, Otamendi
• Crvena zvezda: Aleksandar Katai, Mirko Ivanic, El Fardou Ben

Prediction

Benfica will be the slight favorites heading into the tie, but Crvena zvezda is a dangerous team and should not be underestimated. The Eagles have the home advantage in the first leg, but the Red Star Belgrade will be confident of getting a positive result in Belgrade.

Overall, this is a tough tie to call, but Benfica's experience in European competition could be the deciding factor.

Additional Information

• The match will be played at the Estádio da Luz in Lisbon, Portugal.
• The kick-off time is 8:00 pm local time.
• The referee for the match is Daniele Orsato of Italy.