Nice 0-2 Benfica: Ivanovic and Florentino Fire Benfica Towards Champions League Play-Offs.

Nice 0-2 Benfica: Ivanovic and Florentino Fire Benfica Towards Champions League Play-Offs.

                    Benfica’s impressive away victory underlined why they remain one of Europe’s most consistent clubs in UEFA competitions.

            The Portuguese giants controlled key phases of the match, particularly in midfield, where Fredrik Aursnes and Richard Ríos dictated the tempo and limited Nice’s attacking opportunities. Their ability to maintain possession and press aggressively forced the French side into mistakes throughout the second half.

For Nice, the result serves as a reminder of the fine margins at Champions League level. While the hosts showed promise in spells, especially through Terem Moffi and Hicham Boudaoui, they lacked the composure required in the final third.

With the second leg set to take place in Lisbon, Benfica will enter the contest full of confidence, while Nice must produce a near-perfect performance to keep their European hopes alive. Football fans can expect another tactical battle as both clubs chase a place in the UEFA Champions League League Stage for the 2025-26 season.

Goals and Highlights: Nice 0-2 Benfica in UEFA Champions League Third Qualifying Round.

Match Overview

                    Benfica secured a commanding 2-0 victory over Nice in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round at the Allianz Riviera on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.

            After a cagey first half that ended goalless, Benfica dominated the second period with clinical finishing, courtesy of goals from Ivanovic and Florentino Luís. The Portuguese side’s high-pressing 4-4-2 formation overwhelmed Nice, who struggled to convert their chances despite a spirited effort. This result gives Benfica a significant advantage heading into the second leg in Portugal, putting them in a strong position to advance to the League stage of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League.

Pre-Match Context
Nice’s Form

Nice approached the match with confidence after a solid pre-season, which included four wins, one draw, and one loss across six friendlies. Notable results included a 3-0 victory over Aubagne and a 3-2 win against Sheffield United. In the 2024-25 Ligue 1 season, Nice finished fourth with 60 points, securing their place in the Champions League third qualifying round. However, facing a seasoned European side like Benfica presented a significant step up in competition. Coach Franck Haise fielded a full-strength squad in a 3-4-3 formation, relying on players like Terem Moffi and Hicham Boudaoui to challenge Benfica’s defense.

Benfica’s Form

Benfica, managed by Bruno Lage, entered the match in fine form, having won the Portuguese Super Cup with a 1-0 victory over Sporting on July 31, 2025, thanks to a goal from Vangelis Pavlidis. Their pre-season included a 3-2 friendly win over Fenerbahçe, showcasing their attacking depth. Finishing second in the 2024-25 Primeira Liga with 80 points, Benfica were determined to secure a spot in the Champions League League stage. Their 4-4-2 setup, bolstered by new signing Ivanovic from Union Saint-Gilloise, aimed to exploit Nice’s defense with pace and precision.

Historical Context

This was the first official competitive meeting between Nice and Benfica, with their only prior encounter being a 3-0 friendly win for Benfica in the 2022-23 pre-season. The stakes were high in this third qualifying round, with both teams vying for a place in the prestigious League stage.

Key Players to Watch

Nice: Terem Moffi (dynamic forward), Hicham Boudaoui (creative midfielder), and Marcin Bulka (goalkeeper, listed as Diouf in the match).

Benfica: Ivanovic (new signing with goal-scoring potential), Vangelis Pavlidis (Super Cup hero), and Anatoliy Trubin (reliable goalkeeper).

Lineups
Nice Starting XI

Goalkeeper: Marcin Bulka (referred to as Diouf)

Defenders: Jordan Lotomba (referred to as Mendy), Juma Bah, Dante (replaced by Kojo Peprah Oppong, 46’)

Midfielders: Jonathan Clauss, Morgan Sanson (replaced by Tom Louchet, 25’), Hicham Boudaoui, Melvin Bard

Forwards: Badredine Bouanani (replaced by Sofiane Diop, 30’), Terem Moffi (replaced by Bernard Nguene, 45’), Victor Jansson (replaced by Jeremie Boga, 30’)

Substitutes: Maxime Dupé, Teddy Boulhendi, Hamza Koutoune, Pablo Rosario, Gabin Bernardeau, Fjibril Coulibaly, Bilal Brahimi

Coach: Franck Haise
Benfica Starting XI

Goalkeeper: Anatoliy Trubin

Defenders: Zan Jevsenovic (referred to as Dedic), Antonio Silva, Nicolás Otamendi, Alexander Dahl

Midfielders: Fredrik Aursnes, Richard Ríos, Enzo Barrenechea (replaced by Florentino Luís, 30’), Andreas Schjelderup (replaced by Gianluca Prestianni, 20’)

Forwards: Vangelis Pavlidis (replaced by Henrique Araújo, 30’), Ivanovic (replaced by Leandro Barreiro, 30’)

Substitutes: Samuel Soares, Diogo Ferreira, Rafael Obrador, Gonçalo Oliveira, Leandro Santos, João Veloso, Diogo Prioste, Tiago Gouveia

Coach: Bruno Lage
Match Timeline and Highlights
First Half

The first half was a tactical battle, with Benfica dominating possession and pressing high, while Nice looked to counterattack. Despite several chances, both teams lacked the cutting edge to break the deadlock.

⏱️ 0': The match kicked off at the Allianz Riviera, with Benfica asserting early control through their 4-4-2 formation, pressing Nice’s backline aggressively.

⏱️ 5': Benfica created an early chance when Andreas Schjelderup received a pass up top and deflected a shot over the goal, resulting in a corner that was taken short and cleared by Nice’s defense.

⏱️ 10': Nice responded with a high press, earning two consecutive corners from the left. Both were cleared by Benfica’s defense, led by Nicolás Otamendi.

⏱️ 15': Terem Moffi broke into the box for Nice, crossing to the right corner, but Anatoliy Trubin made a solid save without conceding a rebound, keeping the score at 0-0.

⏱️ 20': Benfica won a free kick in midfield, taken by Richard Ríos, who aimed directly at goal. Marcin Bulka (Diouf) made a brilliant save, pushing the ball wide to deny Benfica.

⏱️ 25': Nice were forced to make an early substitution due to Morgan Sanson’s injury after a midfield collision. Tom Louchet replaced him, maintaining Nice’s 3-4-3 structure.

⏱️ 30': Hicham Boudaoui’s long-range shot went wide, and the play resulted in yellow cards for both Juma Bah (Nice) and Andreas Schjelderup (Benfica) for separate fouls.

⏱️ 35': The game slowed, with neither team able to penetrate the opposition’s defense. Benfica maintained possession, while Nice relied on counterattacks but struggled to create clear chances.

⏱️ 40': A pivotal moment saw Vangelis Pavlidis deflect a low cross from Alexander Dahl, but Bulka made a stunning save with the tip of his foot, diving to his left to push the ball away. Nice countered, with Moffi firing a powerful shot just wide of the right post.

⏱️ 45': Two minutes of added time were signaled, with Benfica continuing to press and Nice holding firm defensively.

⏱️ 45+2': The first half ended goalless, with Benfica’s high pressure and Nice’s counterattacks failing to produce a breakthrough.

Second Half

Benfica came out with renewed intensity, capitalizing on their chances to take a commanding lead, while Nice struggled to respond despite substitutions.

⏱️ 46': Nice made a halftime substitution, replacing Dante with Kojo Peprah Oppong to bolster their defense. The second half began with Benfica maintaining their aggressive approach.

⏱️ 50': Badredine Bouanani orchestrated a slick move for Nice, finishing with a strong shot to the right corner, but Trubin made a comfortable save, holding the ball securely.

⚽ 55': Goal for Benfica! Antonio Silva found Zan Jevsenovic (Dedic) on the right, who passed to Fredrik Aursnes. Aursnes delivered a powerful cross, and Ivanovic slid between Nice’s defenders to divert the ball into the right corner, opening the scoring at 1-0.

⏱️ 60': Ivanovic nearly doubled Benfica’s lead, receiving a pass just outside the box, controlling, and striking powerfully, but the shot sailed over the bar. Moments later, Ivanovic fired another shot, which Bulka saved comfortably.

↔️ 65': Benfica made a substitution, replacing Andreas Schjelderup with Gianluca Prestianni to inject fresh legs into their attack.

⏱️ 70': Nice pushed forward, maintaining possession in Benfica’s half, but their attacks lacked precision, with Benfica’s defense, led by Otamendi, standing firm.

↔️ 75': Both teams made changes. Benfica replaced Enzo Barrenechea, Vangelis Pavlidis, and Ivanovic with Florentino Luís, Henrique Araújo, and Leandro Barreiro. Nice substituted Badredine Bouanani and Victor Jansson with Sofiane Diop and Jeremie Boga.

⏱️ 80': Tom Louchet received a yellow card for a foul in midfield. Nice earned a free kick, which Hicham Boudaoui struck directly at goal, but it hit Benfica’s defensive wall and was cleared.

⚽ 85': Goal for Benfica! Jordan Lotomba (Mendy) was booked for a heavy foul in midfield. The play continued, and Florentino Luís unleashed a powerful long-range shot into the right corner, beyond Bulka’s reach, making it 2-0.

↔️ 90': Nice made a final substitution, replacing Terem Moffi with Bernard Nguene, hoping for a late spark.

⏱️ 90+1': Four minutes of added time were signaled, but Nice couldn’t create any significant chances.

⏱️ 90+4': The final whistle confirmed Benfica’s 2-0 victory, giving them a strong advantage heading into the second leg.

Post-Match Analysis
Nice’s Performance

Nice struggled to impose themselves, particularly in the second half, where Benfica’s clinical finishing exposed their defensive frailties. Their 3-4-3 formation allowed them to press high early on, with Terem Moffi and Badredine Bouanani creating chances, but they lacked the precision to convert. Marcin Bulka’s heroics in goal, including a stunning save from Vangelis Pavlidis, kept Nice in the game, but defensive lapses for both goals proved costly. Substitutions, including Tom Louchet and Jeremie Boga, failed to change the game’s momentum, and Nice now face an uphill battle in the return leg.

Benfica’s Performance

Benfica showcased their European pedigree, overcoming a slow first half to dominate the second period. Their 4-4-2 formation, with a high press and quick transitions, overwhelmed Nice’s defense. Ivanovic’s goal and Florentino Luís’ long-range strike highlighted their attacking depth, while Anatoliy Trubin’s solid goalkeeping ensured a clean sheet. Bruno Lage’s tactical adjustments, including timely substitutions, maintained Benfica’s control, positioning them as favorites to advance.

Key Moments

Bulka’s Save (40’): Marcin Bulka’s remarkable save with his foot denied Vangelis Pavlidis, keeping the score at 0-0 before halftime.

Ivanovic’s Goal (55’): Ivanovic’s sliding finish from Aursnes’ cross broke the deadlock, shifting momentum to Benfica.

Florentino Luís’ Strike (85’): Florentino Luís’ powerful long-range goal sealed the victory, leaving Nice with little time to respond.


Trubin’s Save (50’): Anatoliy Trubin’s secure handling of Bouanani’s shot prevented Nice from equalizing early in the second half.

Tactical Analysis

Nice’s Tactics: Franck Haise’s 3-4-3 aimed to balance defensive solidity with attacking width. Jonathan Clauss and Melvin Bard provided width, while Hicham Boudaoui and Morgan Sanson drove through midfield. However, their inability to convert chances and vulnerability to Benfica’s counterattacks exposed defensive weaknesses, particularly after Dante’s halftime substitution.

Benfica’s Tactics: Bruno Lage’s 4-4-2 emphasized high pressing and quick transitions. Fredrik Aursnes and Richard Ríos controlled midfield, while Ivanovic and Vangelis Pavlidis stretched Nice’s defense. The introduction of Florentino Luís and Gianluca Prestianni added dynamism, with Luís’ goal showcasing Benfica’s ability to strike from distance.

FAQ: Nice vs Benfica UEFA Champions League Qualifier

Who scored for Benfica against Nice?

Ivanovic opened the scoring in the 55th minute, while Florentino Luís sealed the victory with a long-range strike in the 85th minute.

What was the final score between Nice and Benfica?

Benfica defeated Nice 2-0 in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round.

Where was the match played?

The match was played at the Allianz Riviera in Nice, France.

Who was Benfica's standout performer?

Ivanovic impressed with a goal and an energetic attacking display, while Florentino Luís made a major impact from the bench.

Can Nice still qualify for the Champions League?

Yes, but Nice must overturn a two-goal deficit in the second leg at Estádio da Luz in Portugal.

Implications for Nice

Nice’s 2-0 defeat puts them in a challenging position for the second leg in Portugal. They’ll need a significant improvement in attack and defense to overturn the deficit.

Marcin Bulka’s goalkeeping was a highlight, but the loss of Morgan Sanson to injury and the lack of cutting edge from Terem Moffi and others are concerns. Franck Haise will focus on tightening the defense and improving service to their forwards ahead of their Ligue 1 debut against Toulouse on August 16.

Implications for Benfica

Benfica’s victory strengthens their position to advance to the Champions League League stage. Their clinical finishing and defensive resilience, coupled with a strong away performance, highlight their European credentials. Bruno Lage’s squad management, with impactful substitutions, bodes well for their Primeira Liga opener against Estrela Amadora on August 17. Ivanovic’s integration and Florentino Luís’ versatility add depth to an already formidable side.

Player Ratings
Nice

Marcin Bulka (Diouf) (7.5/10): Made stunning saves, including one with his foot, but couldn’t prevent Benfica’s goals.

Jordan Lotomba (Mendy) (5.5/10): Booked and struggled defensively, particularly for Ivanovic’s goal.

Juma Bah (6/10): Solid but booked and exposed for Benfica’s second goal.

Dante (6/10): Organized the defense before being substituted at halftime.

Jonathan Clauss (6/10): Provided width but lacked end product.

Morgan Sanson (6/10): Forced off early due to injury, limiting his impact.

Hicham Boudaoui (6/10): Created chances but missed a shot and was booked.

Melvin Bard (6/10): Energetic but couldn’t stop Benfica’s attacks.

Badredine Bouanani (6.5/10): Threatened early but faded before substitution.

Terem Moffi (6/10): Missed a key chance and struggled to influence the game.

Victor Jansson (6/10): Quiet before being substituted.

Substitutes:

Tom Louchet (6/10): Booked and failed to spark a comeback.

Kojo Peprah Oppong (6/10): Steady but couldn’t prevent Benfica’s goals.

Sofiane Diop, Jeremie Boga, Bernard Nguene (6/10): Limited impact off the bench.
Benfica

Anatoliy Trubin (7.5/10): Made key saves, including one from Bouanani, to secure a clean sheet.

Zan Jevsenovic (Dedic) (7/10): Set up Ivanovic’s goal with a precise pass.

Antonio Silva (7/10): Initiated the move for the first goal, solid defensively.

Nicolás Otamendi (7/10): Anchored the defense with authority.

Alexander Dahl (7/10): Provided width and assisted Pavlidis’ chance.

Fredrik Aursnes (7.5/10): Delivered the cross for Ivanovic’s goal, controlled midfield.

Richard Ríos (7/10): Threatened with a free-kick, dynamic in midfield.

Enzo Barrenechea (6.5/10): Steady before being substituted.

Andreas Schjelderup (6/10): Booked and missed an early chance.

Vangelis Pavlidis (6.5/10): Denied by Bulka’s stunning save.

Ivanovic (7.5/10): Scored the opener, a constant threat.

Substitutes:

Florentino Luís (8/10): Scored a stunning long-range goal.

Gianluca Prestianni, Henrique Araújo, Leandro Barreiro (6.5/10): Maintained Benfica’s intensity.

Coaches’ Comments

Franck Haise (Nice): “We competed well in the first half but lost our way after conceding. We need to be more clinical and solid defensively in the second leg to have a chance.”

Bruno Lage (Benfica): “I’m delighted with the team’s performance. We showed quality and desire, and Ivanovic and Florentino’s goals give us a strong advantage. We’re not done yet; we must stay focused for the return leg.”

Broadcasting Details

United States: The match was not broadcast live on TV, with VAVEL US providing the only live coverage.

Match Time: 3:00 PM ET, August 6, 2025, at Allianz Riviera.
What’s Next?

Nice: Face a daunting task in the second leg on August 12 at Benfica’s Estádio da Luz. They then begin their Ligue 1 campaign against Toulouse on August 16.

Benfica: Host the second leg on August 12, aiming to secure their place in the Champions League League stage. They open their Primeira Liga season against Estrela Amadora on August 17.

Benfica’s 2-0 victory over Nice showcased their European quality, with Ivanovic and Florentino Luís delivering decisive moments in the second half. Nice battled valiantly, with Marcin Bulka’s goalkeeping keeping them in the game, but their inability to convert chances and defensive lapses proved costly.

Benfica’s high press, clinical finishing, and tactical discipline give them a commanding lead heading into the second leg, while Nice must regroup for a monumental challenge in Portugal. This match highlighted Benfica’s depth and Nice’s potential, setting the stage for an intriguing return fixture.

Benfica defeated Nice 2-0 in the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round first leg. Ivanovic and Florentino Luís scored as the Portuguese giants took control of the tie.

Champions League Third Qualifying Round.