Benfica 0-1 Bayer 04 Leverkusen: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Bwin’s post-match review of Benfica 0-1 Bayer 04 Leverkusen in the Champions League on Wednesday, 05 November 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

Bayer 04 Leverkusen secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Benfica in their latest Champions League encounter, a result that ended Benfica’s hopes of progressing further in the competition. The match, played at Benfica’s home ground, saw Leverkusen extend their winning run, having previously triumphed in their last fixture. Benfica, on the other hand, suffered consecutive losses, following a 0-3 defeat to Newcastle United. The result was not entirely surprising given Benfica’s recent form, but Leverkusen’s ability to secure a win away from home underlined their resilience and tactical discipline.

Key moments in the game included a crucial goal by Patrik Schick in the 65th minute, which proved to be the decisive factor. Despite Benfica’s efforts to mount a comeback, they were unable to breach Leverkusen’s defence. The match was marked by a total of five yellow cards, indicating a competitive and sometimes heated contest. Schick’s goal, assisted by none, highlighted Leverkusen’s efficiency in front of goal, a trait that has been pivotal in their recent successes.

The statistics from the match provide insight into the dynamics of the game. Benfica enjoyed a slight edge in possession with 53% compared to Leverkusen’s 47%, suggesting they had more control over the ball. However, Leverkusen’s superior dribbling success rate of 57% against Benfica’s 35% indicates they were more effective in breaking down the opposition’s defence. Despite Benfica’s six corners to Leverkusen’s zero, it was the visitors who capitalised on their limited opportunities, showcasing their clinical approach.

The match saw a total of five yellow cards, with Leverkusen receiving three and Benfica two, reflecting the intensity of the contest. Both teams made three substitutions each, indicating strategic adjustments during the game. Overall, the statistics suggest that while Benfica had more of the ball, Leverkusen’s efficiency and defensive solidity were key to their victory.

The defining moment of the match came in the 65th minute when Patrik Schick scored the only goal of the game for Bayer 04 Leverkusen. This goal, which was not assisted, proved to be the turning point, as Benfica struggled to find an equaliser despite their efforts. The match also saw a series of yellow cards, with Dodi Lukebakio and Nicolás Otamendi receiving bookings for Benfica, and Ibrahim Maza, Edmond Tapsoba, and Malik Tillman for Leverkusen, indicating a fiercely contested battle.

Both teams made strategic substitutions in the second half, with Benfica bringing on L. Barreiro, S. Dahl, and G. Sudakov, while Leverkusen introduced C. Echeverri, C. M. Kofane, and E. Poku. These changes aimed to alter the flow of the game, but it was Leverkusen who maintained their lead and secured the win.

Benfica lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Anatoliy Trubin in goal and a backline consisting of Fredrik Aursnes, Tomás Araújo, Nicolás Otamendi, and Samuel Dahl. The midfield was anchored by Enzo Barrenechea and Richard Ríos, with Dodi Lukébakio, Leandro Barreiro, and Georgiy Sudakov supporting striker Vangelis Pavlidis. Despite their solid structure, Benfica’s inability to convert possession into goals was evident, as they failed to breach Leverkusen’s defence.

Bayer 04 Leverkusen deployed a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Mark Flekken between the posts and a defensive trio of Jarell Quansah, Loïc Badé, and Edmond Tapsoba. The midfield was controlled by Arthur, Ibrahim Maza, Aleix García, and Alejandro Grimaldo, with Claudio Echeverri and Ernest Poku supporting striker Christian Kofane. This setup allowed Leverkusen to maintain a compact defence while exploiting opportunities on the counter, ultimately leading to their victory.

Patrik Schick was named Bwin’s Man of the Match for his decisive contribution to Bayer 04 Leverkusen’s victory. Scoring the only goal of the game in the 65th minute, Schick demonstrated his clinical finishing ability. His performance was crucial in securing the win for Leverkusen, highlighting his importance to the team’s success in this match.

Recent Champions League matches:

• Loss: 0-1 vs Bayer 04 Leverkusen (H)
• Loss: 0-3 vs Newcastle United (A)

Recent Champions League matches:

• Win: 1-0 vs Benfica (A)
• Loss: 2-7 vs Paris Saint Germain (H)

Currently in 35th position with 0 points, Benfica will face Casa Pia on November 09, 2025, at 20:30.

Currently in 21st position with 5 points, Bayer 04 Leverkusen will play Heidenheim on November 08, 2025, at 14:30.

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