Liam Duckstein
As the UEFA Women’s Champions League League Phase rolls into Bergen, all eyes turn to Brann Stadion, where Benfica (w) and Arsenal (w) will lock horns. This early phase duel is particularly intriguing, as both ambitious sides suffered defeats in their openers and will seek redemption to stay in the hunt for knockout qualification. It’s not just about the points – it’s a referendum on adaptation and tactical sharpness at Europe’s elite level.
Keep an eye on Arsenal’s driving force, Mariona Caldentey, whose creative midfield work has been pivotal, and Benfica’s tenacious Lucia Alves, who not only bagged a goal last time out but also brings bite in transitions. Both are expected to play major roles in dictating the tempo and outcome of this contest.
The “hot stat”? In their last five matches, Arsenal have fired a whopping 69 total shots and earned 27 corners – clear signs of relentless attacking ambition, though not always matched by finishing prowess – a pivotal storyline for this battle in Bergen.
| 🏆 Tournament: | UEFA Women’s Champions League 2025/26, League Phase |
| 🏟 Venue: | Brann Stadion, Bergen |
| 🗓️ Date: | 16.10.2025 |
| ⏰ Time: | 22:00 CEST |
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Benfica (w) vs Arsenal (w) prediction
Given Arsenal’s greater volume of attacking play and squad depth, the best value prediction is for Arsenal (w) to secure at least a draw, with value in the Asian Handicap -0.5 or Draw No Bet markets. Benfica have shown resilience at home but remain inconsistent, recently losing tight encounters and struggling to convert opportunities (just 1 goal in their last competitive outing). Arsenal, though not yet at full gear, have been more robust both defensively and going forward – with 5 goals scored and a sustained 69 shots over their last five matches.
Both sides play 4-2-3-1 and favour high pressing, but Arsenal have edged ball control, averaging over 2060 successful passes in their last five, compared to Benfica’s 224. Arsenal do, however, commit more fouls (35 vs 15) and will need composure to avoid gifting Benfica set-piece chances. Benfica’s relatively high yellow card count (5 in their last five) hints at their aggressive edge, but discipline could be tested further against Arsenal’s technically-gifted midfield.
| 🔥Hot Tip: | Arsenal (w) Draw No Bet |
| ⚽Total Goals: | Over 2.5 |
| 💥Both Teams To Score: | Yes |
| 🎯Total Corners: | Over 9.5 |
Team Analysis
Benfica (w) Recent Form:
Benfica returned to Champions League action with a 1-2 home defeat to Juventus (w), a match reflecting their intermittent form across the past month. Despite flashes of promise – notably Lucia Alves’ sharp goal threat – Benfica mustered only 7 total shots and were outmanoeuvred in midfield, with just 224 passes completed (a stark contrast to their English opposition this week). Previous outings have also seen defensive lapses and difficulties in breaking down disciplined defences, as their 0-2 loss to Hammarby (w) attests. Benfica’s single draw against Atletico Madrid, which saw them ship two goals late, summed up their season so far: competitive but not clinical enough in critical moments.
Arsenal (w) Recent Form:
For Arsenal, the last five matches have yielded a mixed bag: two wins, two losses, and a draw. After a disappointing 1-2 defeat to Lyon (w) in their group opener, Arsenal bounced back with a narrow 1-0 win over Brighton (w). Their playstyle has been marked by intensity – 69 total shots and 27 corners in recent outings signal how aggressively they set up in the final third. Questions remain about finishing, but with multiple midfield contributors like Caldentey and Maanum finding the net, Arsenal look threatening from various pockets of space.
Most recent Head-to-Head Matches
| Statistic | Benfica (w) | Arsenal (w) |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 1 | 5 |
| Total shots | 7 | 69 |
| Corner kicks | 3 | 27 |
| Total fouls | 15 | 35 |
| Interceptions | 6 | 50 |
| Offsides | 2 | 10 |
🚨Read our full Benfica (w) vs Arsenal (w) stats for more analysis.
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Possible Starting Lineups
Benfica (w) possible starting eleven
- GK: Lena Pauels
- DF: Carole Costa, Christy Ucheibe, Catarina Amado, Lúcia Alves
- MF: Anna Gasper, Paula Domínguez Encinas, Lara Nogueira Martins
- FW: C. Davidson, Lara Nogueira Martins, Lúcia Alves
Benfica should stick with their preferred 4-2-3-1, offering stability at the back through Pauels and Costa, while Alves remains a player to watch for her dynamic midfield-to-attack transitions. Ucheibe shores up the line with defensive intelligence, as the team seeks improved cohesion in central spaces.
Arsenal (w) possible starting eleven
- GK: Manuela Zinsberger
- DF: Stephanie Catley, Lotte Wubben Moy, Katie Reid, Emily Fox
- MF: Kim Little, Frida Maanum, Mariona Caldentey, Victoria Pelova
- FW: Alessia Russo, Bethany Mead
Arsenal’s 4-2-3-1 will marshal attacking intent, with Little orchestrating play deep and Caldentey exploiting spaces behind the striker. Russo’s strength and Mead’s pace out wide could trouble Benfica’s defenders, especially if Arsenal continue their high shot and corner output from recent matches.
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Arsenal (w). Source: Official Instagram. Edited photo
The Verdict
Given both teams’ drive to respond after tough opening group defeats, we should expect a spirited contest! I’m backing Arsenal (w) Draw No Bet as the main pick – Renée Slegers’ charges have simply created more, attacked more, and shown greater squad depth than their Portuguese counterparts. Expect intensity, open play, and goals – but Arsenal’s structure and creativity in midfield (especially Caldentey and Little pulling the strings) provide the edge. Benfica, while spirited at home, must tighten defensively or risk conceding from repeated waves of pressure. It’s a match tailor-made for drama and possibly, a flurry of goals!
