Chaves vs Benfica Prediction 17.10.2025 | Taca de Portugal

If the saying “a good beginning makes a good ending” holds true, Chaves could well be serious contenders for one of the three promotion spots this season, as they proudly stand as the only side yet to suffer defeat after the opening seven second-tier rounds.

Although they were labeled the “kings of draws” early in the season after recording three stalemates in their opening trio of matches, Chaves have recently stepped up their form and started to show a completely different side — one that looks hungry for victory.

Their ongoing three-game winning streak without conceding a goal also includes a 2–0 triumph over third-tier side Paredes in the second round of the Taca de Portugal, but the real concern is not only the upcoming clash with Benfica but also the fact that they have reached the fourth round only once in the last five editions of the tournament.

Coach Filipe Martins will have nearly a full squad at his disposal, with right winger Wellington Carvalho the only absentee due to a groin issue, though the 47-year-old has plenty of options to cover his absence.

It’s fair to say that Benfica haven’t been a particularly intimidating side in recent weeks, as they’ve struggled to find any real consistency and currently find themselves stuck in a mixed run of two wins, three draws, and two defeats from their last seven outings.

After throwing away a two-goal lead and suffering a shocking 3-2 defeat to Qarabag in their Champions League opener, a managerial change quickly followed, with Bruno Lage making way for “The Special One,” who returned to the club where his managerial journey first began.

However, it would be hard to say that the appointment of Jose Mourinho has brought any noticeable improvement, especially considering that just before the international two-week break they fell 1-0 to Chelsea in the Champions League and drew goalless against fierce rivals Porto in league action.

Georgiy Sudakov and Bruma will be the only absentees for the Lisbon Eagles in their second-round Taca de Portugal clash, as both continue recovering from injury, while Jose Mourinho is expected to rotate his squad to rest key players ahead of the Champions League.