Benfica vs Bayer Leverkusen Match Recap - Nov 5, 2025

Bayer Leverkusen Snatches Victory from Benfica in a Tense UEFA Clash

Bayer Leverkusen edged out Benfica 1-0 in a tightly contested UEFA Champions League match at the Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica, with Patrik Schick scoring the decisive goal in the 65th minute. This result marks a significant moment for Leverkusen, who have struggled to find their footing in the tournament, while Benfica's woes continue as they remain winless in their group.

Leverkusen entered the match with a sense of urgency, having only managed two draws and one loss in their previous three Champions League fixtures. Their recent form had been shaky, highlighted by a humiliating 7-2 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain just two weeks prior. However, the team showed resilience against Benfica, who were coming off a strong domestic performance with a 3-0 victory over Guimaraes just days earlier. The contrast in momentum was palpable as both teams took to the pitch.

The first half saw Benfica dominate possession, holding 53% of the ball and registering ten total shots compared to Leverkusen's three. Yet, despite their control, Benfica struggled to convert that dominance into clear-cut chances. Their inability to capitalize on opportunities has been a recurring theme this season, and it was evident again as they managed only five shots on target throughout the match. The home side's attacking efforts were stifled by a disciplined Leverkusen defense, which held firm under pressure.

As the match progressed into the second half, Leverkusen began to find their rhythm. The breakthrough came when Schick, who had been relatively quiet throughout the match, found space in the box and slotted home the only goal of the game. This moment was crucial for Schick, who has faced criticism for his inconsistent performances this season. His goal not only secured three points for Leverkusen but also served as a reminder of his potential as a game-changer.

Benfica's response was immediate but ultimately ineffective. They pushed forward in search of an equalizer, but their efforts were thwarted by Leverkusen's goalkeeper Mark Flekken, who made four crucial saves to preserve his team's lead. Flekken's performance was a stark contrast to his counterpart Anatoliy Trubin, who faced far fewer threats and managed just one save. The disparity in goalkeeping highlights how critical Flekken's contributions were to Leverkusen's success.

Despite their attacking intent, Benfica's finishing left much to be desired. Their expected goals (xG) for the match stood at 0.92, indicating they created decent chances but failed to convert them into goals. This inefficiency has plagued Benfica throughout their Champions League campaign, where they have now lost all four matches without scoring a single point. The pressure is mounting on coach José Mário dos Santos Mourinho Félix, who must find a way to turn this trend around before it becomes insurmountable.

Leverkusen's victory not only boosts their confidence but also keeps them in contention within a tightly packed group. With two points from four matches, they still face an uphill battle to progress, but this win could serve as a turning point. Coach Kasper Hjulmand will be pleased with his team's defensive solidity and the ability to grind out results when needed most.

Looking ahead, both teams face critical matches that could define their seasons. Benfica will travel to Ajax for their next Champions League fixture, while Leverkusen will head to Manchester City. The stakes are high for both clubs; Benfica must find a way to break their losing streak, while Leverkusen aims to build on this momentum and secure vital points against formidable opponents.

In conclusion, this match encapsulated the ongoing struggles of Benfica and the potential resurgence of Bayer Leverkusen. As the Champions League progresses, every point becomes increasingly valuable, and today's clash served as a reminder of the fine margins that can dictate success or failure on this grand stage.