When S.L. Benfica hosted OGC Nice at the Estádio da Luz for the UEFA Champions League qualifiers, fans expected a tactical chess match. Instead, the Portuguese giants delivered a commanding masterclass. Benfica secured a 2-0 victory on the night, sealing a comprehensive 4-0 aggregate triumph to march forward in Europe.
If you missed the action or want to break down how the Eagles dismantled the French side, this analysis covers the goals, tactical setups, and key player performances that shaped the fixture.
Match Overview and Final Score
The second leg of this European qualifier lived up to Benfica's historical home dominance. Having already established a solid foundation away, Benfica didn't sit back. They pressed high and suffocated Nice's build-up play right from the opening whistle.
- Final Score: Benfica 2 - 0 OGC Nice
- Aggregate Score: Benfica 4 - 0 OGC Nice
- Date: August 12, 2025
- Venue: Estádio da Luz, Lisbon
- Attendance: 64,511
The tone was set early as Benfica controlled the tempo, registering 58% possession and generating an expected goals (xG) metric of 1.70 compared to Nice's meager 0.64. You can check more historical data directly on UEFA.
Key Match Highlights and Goal Breakdown
Benfica didn't waste time asserting dominance on their home turf. The first half proved decisive, with two quick goals breaking Nice's defensive resolve before the half-hour mark.
Opening Goal: Fredrik Aursnes Strikes
In the 19th minute, the deadlock broke. Andreas Schjelderup drove down the flank and delivered a precise pass into the danger area. Fredrik Aursnes met it cleanly, slotting past goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf to make it 1-0. It was a well-constructed team move that exposed gaps in Nice's 3-4-1-2 defensive shape.
Second Goal: Andreas Schjelderup Capitalizes
Just eight minutes later, provider turned goalscorer. In the 27th minute, Aursnes returned the favor by setting up Andreas Schjelderup. The young winger made no mistake, firing past the keeper to double Benfica's lead on the night and make it 4-0 on aggregate.
From that point onward, Benfica managed the game with maturity, denying Nice any meaningful look at Anatoliy Trubin's goal.
Tactical Setup and Team Lineups
Both managers deployed distinct tactical approaches, but Benfica's tactical flexibility completely neutralized the visitors.
Benfica's 4-4-2 Shape
Managerial instructions were clear: stretch the pitch and dominate the midfield transitions.
- Goalkeeper: Anatoliy Trubin
- Defenders: Amar Dedic, António Silva, Nicolás Otamendi, Samuel Dahl
- Midfielders: Fredrik Aursnes, Richard Ríos, Enzo Barrenechea, Andreas Schjelderup
- Forwards: Franjo Ivanović, Vangelis Pavlidis
The defensive pairing of Otamendi and Silva offered absolute security, allowing the full-backs to push high and support the wide midfielders.
Nice's 3-4-1-2 Shape
OGC Nice attempted to use wing-backs to stretch Benfica's defense, but the strategy backfired as they were pinned deep in their own half.
- Goalkeeper: Yehvann Diouf
- Defenders: Antoine Mendy, Juma Bah, Kojo Peprah Oppong
- Midfielders: Jonathan Clauss, Tom Louchet, Djibril Coulibaly, Melvin Bard
- Playmaker: Badredine Bouanani
- Forwards: Terem Moffi, Isak Jansson
Nice struggled to retain possession in midfield, which forced manager changes early in the second half, bringing on Sofiane Diop and Jeremie Boga. However, these substitutions couldn't turn the tide against a resolute home defense.
Player Performances and Standout Ratings
Several individual displays defined the evening in Lisbon.
Fredrik Aursnes put in a man-of-the-match shift, capping off his night with a goal and an assist, earning a stellar 8.9 rating. Andreas Schjelderup proved equally dangerous on the wing, terrorizing the Nice backline and converting his chance with clinical precision.
For Nice, goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf faced a relentless barrage, stopping multiple dangerous efforts to keep the scoreline respectable. Outfield players like Jonathan Clauss fought hard down the right flank, but lacked support in the final third. You can explore broader club statistics on Liga Portugal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final aggregate score between Benfica and Benfica vs Nice?
Benfica won the two-legged tie 4-0 on aggregate, following a 2-0 away win and a 2-0 home victory at the Estádio da Luz.
Who scored the goals in the second leg?
Fredrik Aursnes opened the scoring in the 19th minute, and Andreas Schjelderup added the second in the 27th minute.
How much possession did Benfica have during the match?
Benfica dominated the ball with 58% possession, limiting Nice to just 42% and zero shots on target throughout the 90 minutes.
Where was the second leg played?
The match was played at the iconic Estádio da Luz in Lisbon, Portugal, in front of an enthusiastic crowd of over 64,000 fans.
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