Match Preview
Matchday 12 of the Primeira Liga brings us an intriguing clash as CD Nacional host title-chasing Sport Lisboa e Benfica. The match is scheduled for November 29, 2025, promising a tactical battle at Nacional’s home ground. Benfica arrives in this fixture as one of the league’s top contenders, boasting an impressive undefeated record so far this season. Nacional, currently sitting in the mid-table, will be looking to pull off a significant upset against one of Portugal’s giants.
Current League Standings
| Pos | Team | Pl | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FC Porto | 11 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 21 | 31 |
| 2 | Sporting Clube de Portugal | 11 | 9 | 1 | 1 | 21 | 28 |
| 3 | Sport Lisboa e Benfica | 11 | 7 | 4 | 0 | 17 | 25 |
| 4 | Gil Vicente FC | 11 | 7 | 2 | 2 | 11 | 23 |
| 5 | FC Famalicão | 11 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 6 | 19 |
| 6 | Moreirense FC | 11 | 6 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 18 |
| 7 | Sporting Clube de Braga | 11 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 8 | 16 |
| 8 | Vitória SC | 11 | 4 | 2 | 5 | -7 | 14 |
| 9 | GD Estoril Praia | 11 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 13 |
| 10 | CD Nacional | 11 | 3 | 3 | 5 | -4 | 12 |
| 11 | Rio Ave FC | 11 | 2 | 6 | 3 | -5 | 12 |
| 12 | CF Estrela da Amadora | 11 | 2 | 5 | 4 | -1 | 11 |
| 13 | CD Santa Clara | 11 | 3 | 2 | 6 | -4 | 11 |
| 14 | FC Alverca | 11 | 3 | 2 | 6 | -7 | 11 |
| 15 | Casa Pia AC | 11 | 2 | 3 | 6 | -11 | 9 |
| 16 | FC Arouca | 11 | 2 | 3 | 6 | -17 | 9 |
| 17 | CD Tondela | 11 | 1 | 3 | 7 | -14 | 6 |
| 18 | AVS | 11 | 0 | 3 | 8 | -17 | 3 |
The Primeira Liga table paints a clear picture of the challenge facing CD Nacional:
- Sport Lisboa e Benfica: Position 3 (11 played, 7 won, 4 drawn, 0 lost, 25 points, 23 Goals For, 6 Goals Against, +17 Goal Difference). Benfica remains unbeaten, demonstrating remarkable consistency and defensive solidity.
- CD Nacional: Position 10 (11 played, 3 won, 3 drawn, 5 lost, 12 points, 11 Goals For, 15 Goals Against, -4 Goal Difference). Nacional is firmly in the middle of the pack, with their form being a mix of results.
Benfica’s strong position and perfect undefeated record highlight their ambition for the league title, while Nacional will be aiming to climb further up the table.
Head-to-Head Analysis
Recent Encounters
| Date | Competition | Home Team | Score | Away Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08 Mar 2025 | Primeira Liga | Sport Lisboa e Benfica | 3 - 0 | CD Nacional |
| 19 Dec 2024 | Primeira Liga | CD Nacional | 0 - 2 | Sport Lisboa e Benfica |
| 11 May 2021 | Primeira Liga | CD Nacional | 1 - 3 | Sport Lisboa e Benfica |
| 25 Jan 2021 | Primeira Liga | Sport Lisboa e Benfica | 1 - 1 | CD Nacional |
Looking at the recent encounters between these two teams, Sport Lisboa e Benfica has a clear advantage:
- 2025-03-08: SL Benfica 3 – 0 CD Nacional (Benfica Home Win)
- 2024-12-19: CD Nacional 0 – 2 SL Benfica (Benfica Away Win)
- 2021-05-11: CD Nacional 1 – 3 SL Benfica (Benfica Away Win)
- 2021-01-25: SL Benfica 1 – 1 CD Nacional (Draw)
Benfica has secured commanding victories in their recent clashes, particularly in the last two away games against Nacional where they won by at least two goals (0-2 and 1-3). This trend suggests that Benfica often finds a way to dominate Nacional, even on the road.
Our Prediction
Considering the significant gap in league form, quality, and the dominant head-to-head record, Sport Lisboa e Benfica enters this match as heavy favorites. Their undefeated status and strong goal difference underscore their attacking prowess and defensive resilience. Nacional will undoubtedly put up a fight at home, but overcoming a Benfica side that has consistently beaten them by comfortable margins will be a huge ask. We anticipate Benfica to continue their strong run and secure another decisive victory.
Our recommended bet for this match is:
SL Benfica -1.5 Asian Handicap
