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The 2025 UEFA Champions League qualifiers are reaching their decisive stages, and one of the most anticipated fixtures is Benfica vs. OGC Nice. On August 12, 2025, at 8:00 PM, the Estádio da Luz in Lisbon will host a thrilling second-leg encounter, with Benfica holding a commanding 2-0 lead from the first leg in France. The match will be broadcast worldwide, giving football fans a chance to witness a battle that could determine who advances to Europe’s elite stage.
Match Overview
Date, Time & Venue
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Date: August 12, 2025
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Time: 8:00 PM (Local Time)
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Venue: Estádio da Luz, Lisbon, Portugal
First-Leg Recap
In the first leg at the Allianz Riviera, Benfica executed a near-perfect away performance, scoring twice without reply. Goals from João Mário and Ángel Di María gave the Portuguese giants a significant advantage. Nice now face a daunting task — they must win by at least three goals or force extra time with a two-goal win if they score at least twice in Lisbon.
Stadium Spotlight: Estádio da Luz
The Estádio da Luz, home to Benfica, is one of Europe’s most atmospheric football venues, boasting a capacity of 65,000. On big European nights, the stadium transforms into a sea of red, with passionate supporters creating an electrifying environment that can overwhelm visiting teams.
Broadcast Information
Fans worldwide can watch the game live on:
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beIN Sports HD 1
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Sport TV1 Portugal
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Diema Sport 2 HD
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SuperSport Maximo 1
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Digi Sport 2 HD Romania
Team Market Values
| Team | Market Value |
|---|---|
| Benfica | €310 million |
| Nice | €245 million |
Key Players to Watch
Benfica
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Ángel Di María – A veteran winger with the vision and technique to unlock any defense.
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João Neves – The young midfield prodigy, already attracting interest from top European clubs.
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Rafa Silva – Fast, direct, and clinical on the break.
Nice
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Terem Moffi – A strong and agile forward who can trouble defenders with his physicality.
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Khephren Thuram – A dynamic box-to-box midfielder with great passing range.
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Jean-Clair Todibo – The defensive leader, tasked with keeping Benfica’s attackers quiet.
Tactical Outlook
Benfica’s Approach
With a two-goal cushion, Benfica may not need to take excessive risks. However, coach Roger Schmidt is known for his attacking philosophy, so expect a balanced approach — solid at the back, but quick to exploit counterattack opportunities.
Nice’s Game Plan
Nice must score early to unsettle Benfica and ignite belief. Expect an aggressive start with high pressing, trying to disrupt Benfica’s buildup play and force mistakes.
Head-to-Head History
This is a rare European meeting between the two clubs, with Benfica having historically fared well against French opposition, especially at home. Nice, on the other hand, will be looking to defy the odds and make club history by overturning a two-goal deficit away from home.
Predictions
Most pundits favor Benfica to progress given their home advantage and current form. Nice will have to deliver a near-perfect performance to stand a chance. Predicted scoreline: Benfica 1-1 Nice (Aggregate 3-1, Benfica advances).
Conclusion
The Benfica vs. Nice second leg promises drama, passion, and possibly surprises. While Benfica enter as favorites, the Champions League has a history of delivering shock turnarounds. Both sides will be fighting not just for qualification, but for the prestige and financial rewards that come with a place in the group stage.
FAQs
1. When is the Benfica vs. Nice second leg?
August 12, 2025, at 8:00 PM local time.
2. Where is the match taking place?
At the Estádio da Luz in Lisbon, Portugal.
3. What was the first-leg score?
Benfica won 2-0 in France.
4. Which channels will broadcast the game?
beIN Sports HD 1, Sport TV1 Portugal, Diema Sport 2 HD, SuperSport Maximo 1, and Digi Sport 2 HD Romania.
5. Who are the key players to watch?
Ángel Di María, João Neves, and Rafa Silva for Benfica; Terem Moffi, Khephren Thuram, and Jean-Clair Todibo for Nice.