Crvena Zvezda is coming into this match playing in very good form in their recent matches. They have won their last 3 straight as well as 6 of their last 7 matches and their defense has been very good in these. They have not allowed a goal in their last 3 straight matches, but their attack has also been very good as they have scored at least 2 goals in 2 of their last 3 as well as 5 of their last 7 matches. When playing at home, they have been very good as they have won their last 3 straight as well as 4 of their last 5 matches there with no losses in that span. Their defense has not allowed a goal in their last 2 matches there either. They are going up against a Benfica side that has been in good form in their recent matches, winning 3 of their last 4 matches with no losses in that span, but they have not been as strong away from home this season. They have only played 2 away matches since the new season started and they do not have a win in either match against weaker opponents from their own domestic league. They lost 2-0 to Famalicao and drew 1-1 with Moreirense, scoring just 1 goal in those 2 away matches while allowing 3 in those. Those scoring troubles for Benfica away from home are going to follow them in this match as Crvena Zvezda will be very hard to break down at home as they need to take advantage of these home matches in the league phase so they will lean on their defense here and wait for their opportunity to pounce. Benfica has not been great defensively either while this Crvena Zvezda attack has been strong at home. Crvena Zvezda will win this match at home or at least draw, take Crvena Zvezda +0.5 here.
UEFA Champions League: Crvena Zvezda +0.5, Rot. 224250