On January 27, 2024, Benfica will host Real Madrid in a vital UEFA Champions League match at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon, Portugal. The game is set to kick off at 20:00 GMT, and both teams face crucial stakes as they strive for advancement in the tournament.
Champions League Stakes for Both Teams
Benfica sits in a precarious position, currently ranked 29th out of 36 teams in the group stage. With only two points separating them from potential playoff contention, a win is essential to keep their dreams of European qualification alive. However, their current goal difference of -4 could complicate their efforts.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, is looking to strengthen its bid for progression. With 15 points, they occupy third place in the group, but they must secure a victory to guarantee their passage to the knockout stage. A draw could leave them vulnerable, relying on results from other matches.
Historical Context: Past Encounters and Managerial Insights
This match has a compelling backdrop, as Benfica’s coach, José Mourinho, faces his former club. Mourinho managed Real Madrid from May 2010 to 2013, achieving notable success, including a La Liga title. His respect and connections to both clubs add an intriguing layer to this fixture.
The two clubs have met only three times previously in competitive fixtures, with Benfica leading the series 2-1. Their last encounter in the Champions League happened on March 17, 1965, when Real Madrid won 2-1, failing to overturn a 5-1 deficit from the first leg.
Team News and Predicted Lineups
Both teams are dealing with injuries that could impact their performance. Benfica is missing players such as Alexander Bah and Dodi Lukebakio. Richard Rios is nearing a return, but his participation is uncertain. The following is Benfica’s predicted lineup in a 4-2-3-1 formation:
- Goalkeeper: Trubin
- Defenders: Dedic, Araujo, Otamendi, Dahl
- Midfielders: Aursnes, Barrenechea
- Forwards: Prestianni, Barreiro, Sudakov, Pavlidis
Real Madrid welcomes back Aurelien Tchouameni, who was suspended for their previous match. However, the team is dealing with several injuries in defense, including Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao. The projected lineup for Real in a 4-3-3 formation is as follows:
- Goalkeeper: Courtois
- Defenders: Valverde, Asencio, Huijsen, Carreras
- Midfielders: Tchouameni, Bellingham, Guler
- Forwards: Mastantuono, Mbappe, Vinicius
Conclusion
The clash between Benfica and Real Madrid promises to be an exciting encounter with significant consequences for both clubs. Fans can follow the buildup to the match on El-Balad and stay updated on developments throughout the event.
