Omnia Nicosia – Benfica: Match Preview
We outline the line‑ups for the game between Omnia Nicosia and Benfica in the context of the third round of the 2026/27 Europa League general phase.
"Benfica" comfortably beat "Milan" and "Seltik", scoring six goals. Before heading to Cyprus, the "Eagles" had a one‑week break: will another crushing win be secured?
Key points
Omnia Nicosia
1. "Omnia" did not concede in the Europa League group stage
The Cypriots entered the competition after a long qualifying phase, defeating "Lincoln Red Imps" and "Sint‑Truiden". The opponent is not of a higher level, to put it mildly. In the group stage, "Omnia" beat "Seltik" (1:0) in a very dull match, and then defeated the Slovenian "Tsele" (3:0) away. Here it was more interesting: the Cypriots achieved 2.07 xG versus 0.29 xG for the Galicians.
Overall, Omnia has one defeat in the last ten matches: in the Super Cup against "Pafos" (0:1). In the Cypriot league, zero defeats in six rounds and third place with three points behind AEL. In the last round, a stolen draw against "Olympiakos" (2:2) with a goal by Luis Diñón in 90+12, and the striker almost scored a penalty.
2. In the league, there was almost no rotation
The head coach, Hennig Berg, used Ewandro and Luis Diñón for the full 90+ minutes in attack, who finished with a draw and provided the equaliser. The substitutes, defender Lubomir Shatka and midfielder Muaimer Tanović, were eventually introduced and then sent off.
There will be changes in the goalkeeper position: Tomas Kaminski plays in the Cypriot league, and in two Europa League matches, the 38‑year‑old Fabián started from the first minute.
3. How long will the "parked bus" of the Cypriots last?
Even against the unimpressive "Seltik", Omnia defended most of the time, and the game leaned towards a logical 0:0, if not for Yure Balcovic’s goal in the 88th minute. "Benfica" in contrast to "Seltik" and "Tsele" is a team of another dimension. It makes no sense to compete in goal exchanges. "Benfica" scored against "Milan" in the 16th minute, and against "Seltik" in the fifth.
Benfica
1. In the Europa League, "Benfica" played two powerful matches
Under Marco Silva, "Benfica" is advancing strongly this season, almost without losing. In the last eleven matches across all competitions, ten victories and always at least two goals. The only loss was away against "Porto" (1:3), which left the "Eagles" five points behind the "Dragons" in the Primeira Liga table.
In two rounds of the Europa League, "Benfica" confidently defeated "Milan" (2:0) and "Seltik" (4:1). Both opponents, by their potential, could play in the Champions League, just like "Benfica". And it didn’t take long: the "Eagles" scored early and controlled the game. With such quality, one should even consider the top‑position in the overall LE table.
2. Coach Marco Silva does not use the entire squad
The one‑week break between Europa League matches does not prevent the coach’s plans to distribute the load evenly. Thus goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin clearly plays in the Europa League, and Samuel Socarés in the Portuguese league. The start is sent to the lazy Juan Duran. Marco Silva managed to revive the Colombian who suddenly scored two goals against "Seltik". Other notable changes: defenders Alessandro Cirkati and Sufián El Karuani also need to start from the beginning.
3. Freshness is the main advantage of "Benfica"
The weekend in Portugal featured early cup matches, from which the big clubs were eliminated. Thus, between the two Europa League rounds, the team rested a full week, which is currently a luxury.
"Benfica" is advancing strongly this season, Marco Silva has built a real goal machine that rarely misses. He scored six goals against "Milan" and "Seltik", rested a full week. And this entire structure will face the Cypriot "Omnia". If the initial pressure is not contained, "Benfica" will easily organise another crushing win.
Approximate line‑ups
4-3-3-4-2-3-140Fabián29Balcovic37Shatka5Kulikbali93Duyvern14Marić22Tanović74Andreu7Montnor99Diñón11Ewandro1Trubin3Cirkat44Araúzu2Langle34El Karuani8Aursnes36Palinía11Lukebaki0Sudakov25Prestiani22Duran
Trend bets
In five of the last six Europa League matches, "Omnia" scored, and in five of the last six Europa League matches, "Benfica" conceded. The "Omnia" goal costs 1.70.
In five of the last seven "Omnia" matches there were at least three goals, in eight of the last ten "Benfica" matches there were at least three goals. TB 3 costs 1.87.
Forecast
Omnia Nicosia vs Benfica 22.10.2026 23:00
"Omnia" has a long unbeaten run, but during it there were opponents at the level of "Benfica". Even the Spanish "Seltik" today does not meet the requirements of a strong club from the top league. The Cypriots beat them 1:0, creating at least some tension in 90 minutes. With "Benfica" it is very likely they will play the entire match in their own goal, until the great one weakens.
Marco Silva’s team maintains the advantage: ten victories in the last eleven matches and always at least two goals.
In the Europa League against "Milan" and "Seltik", the Portuguese were practically flawless. They scored early, controlling the game for 90 minutes. With such quality, one can think not only of the position in the overall top‑8 table, but also of the first place.
In Cyprus, "Benfica" must score as soon as possible. Marco Silva will give the lazy Juan Duran the opportunity from the start. The coach motivated the Colombian to play and score, so the "Eagles" victory is expected.
Prediction: 0-3
