Champions League predictions: RB Salzburg vs. Benfica pick, odds

Normally we don’t think of the Portuguese League as one of the powers in the European soccer landscape, but Benfica’s performance in the Champions League over the last two seasons has plenty of people wondering if we’re underestimating Liga Portugal. 

The Eagles pulled a stunner in 2021-22 when they advanced to the quarterfinals despite being drawn into a group with Bayern Munich and Barcelona, and then they one-upped themselves by winning Group H last season ahead of Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus. 

With those two performances fresh on everybody’s mind, Benfica now has some expectations to live up to in 2023-24 and is the second-favorite to advance out of Group D, which also features Inter Milan, Real Sociedad and RB Salzburg.

And while Benfica deserves a ton of respect for the way it has played over the last two seasons, and the fact that it is off and running in Portugal to start the new campaign, it does seem as if the market may be a little too high on the Eagles coming into Matchweek 1 of the Champions League.

RB Salzburg may not have many household names on its roster just yet, but the Red Bulls are one of the world’s best clubs at developing young talent and this group of wunderkinds is no different.

They may be young and inexperienced, but this is a dangerous team that won’t be afraid to give it a go against any club in the world.

Back Salzburg at a huge price against an overrated Benfica side on Wednesday.