Benfica vs Atletico Madrid Prediction, Preview, Lineups and Team News | Champions League, October 1, 2024

Benfica vs Atletico Madrid Preview

• Tournament: Champions League
• Date: Wednesday, Oct 2
• Kick-off Time: 08:00 pm GMT
• Venue: Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica, Portugal

Portuguese giants Benfica will play host to unbeaten Atletico Madrid in their second game of the 2024/25 Champions League season at Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica. The Red and Whites are heading into the European competition following their hard-fought draw with Real Madrid in the Madrid derby.

Hosts Benfica are undergoing a rebuilding phase under new coach Bruno Lage and have secured a 5-1 win over Gil Vicente in their last game. The Eagles head into midweek on the back of a four-game winning streak and remain undefeated at home in their last eight games.

Meanwhile, Los Rojiblancos have endured a dream start to the new campaign and remain unbeaten across all competitions. They have the best defensive record in the Spanish top flight as they have conceded only four times. Diego Simeone’s side are tipped to return back to winning ways on their travels this midweek.

Benfica Team News

Benfica players Tiago Gouveia and Renato Sanches continue their recovery in the infirmary and will be unavailable for this crucial side. Aside from the duo, Bruno Lage has the entire squad at his disposal. Summer signing Vangelis Pavlidis is expected to lead the line for the hosts.

Atletico Madrid Team News

As for Atletico Madrid, they are without the services of key first-team players – Cesar Azpilicueta, Thomas Lemar, and Pablo Barrios through injury. Lemar is close to making his comeback after rupturing his Achilles tendon back in 2023.

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Benfica vs Atletico Madrid Predicted Lineups

Benfica predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):

Goalkeeper: Trubin

Defenders: Araujo, Silva, Otamendi, Carreras

Midfielders: Luis, Kokcu, Aursnes

Forwards: Di Maria, Kokcu, Pavlidis

Atletico Madrid predicted lineup (4-3-3):

Goalkeeper: Oblak

Defenders: Le Normand, Gimenez, Reinildo

Midfielders: Llorente, De Paul, Koke, Gallagher, Lino

Forwards: Alvarez, Griezmann

Head-to-Head Record

The two sides have faced off only twice in the past, with Atletico Madrid and Benfica winning each of those games.

Last five match results:

Key Players to Watch in Benfica vs Atletico Madrid

Angel Di Maria (Benfica)

Angel Di Maria who joined Borussia Benfica in the summer has been in sensational form in his debut campaign as he bagged two goals and one assist in seven games across all competitions. The Argentine legend cemented his status as one of the nation’s most iconic players following their Copa America victory in the summer.

Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid)

The former Manchester City striker did not have the easiest time since joining the Spanish capital in a €75m deal this summer. Julián Alvarez scored his first goal for Atlético in his fifth appearance for the club and his second goal came against Celta Vigo when he netted a last-minute winner.

Benfica vs Atletico Madrid Prediction

The Portuguese giants will be aiming to get back into top-flight contention following the arrival of Bruno Lage this season. But they have struggled on the domestic front as they are currently languishing third in the domestic table and are coming off a 5-1 win over Gil Vicente. The Eagles have shown signs of improvement after their sluggish start to the new campaign.

As for Atletico Madrid, they have continued their dominance in the domestic competition as they drew 1-1 in the Madrid derby this weekend. Angel Correa stunned with a stoppage-time equaliser in the derby maintaining their unbeaten record across all competitions. But Atletico’s recent away record in Champion League matches has been dreadful, with just one win in nine games.

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Predicted Score: Benfica 1-1 Atletico Madrid (Watch Live)

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