Benfica Set to Host Atletico Madrid in Champions League Clash
Benfica will aim to extend their winning streak to five matches across all competitions as they welcome Spanish giants Atletico Madrid to Estadio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica on Wednesday night for a crucial Champions League encounter. The Eagles have found form since a managerial change last month, while Los Colchoneros continue their pursuit of glory under their long-serving head coach.
Match Preview
Following a disappointing 1-1 draw against Moreirense at the end of August, Benfica parted ways with manager Roger Schmidt. Since then, the club has flourished under the guidance of new head coach Bruno Lage, winning four consecutive matches in the Primeira Liga and Champions League. Their most recent victory was a resounding 5-0 triumph over Gil Vicente, with standout performances from players like Nicolas Otamendi contributing to the team's dominant display.
In the Champions League, Benfica started their campaign with a narrow 2-1 victory over Red Star Belgrade, with goals from Kerem Akturkoglou and Orkun Kokcu ensuring the win despite a late scare from the Serbians. Akturkoglou has been in sensational form, contributing significantly to the team's success with eight goal involvements in his last five matches.
Atletico Madrid come into this match with an unbeaten start to the season, extending their run to nine matches with a late equalizer against Real Madrid in the Madrid derby. Despite only winning four of their last eight La Liga matches, Atletico's solid defense has been a hallmark of their campaign, conceding just three goals in their last eight games across all competitions.
With a Champions League win over RB Leipzig already under their belt, Atletico Madrid will look to build momentum in their quest for a first-ever triumph in the competition.
Team News
Benfica will be without midfielder Renato Sanches, who is recovering from a muscle injury, and Tiago Gouveia, who has yet to feature this season due to a shoulder issue.
Atletico Madrid's squad will miss veteran defender Cesar Azpilicueta, who is sidelined with a thigh strain. Pablo Barrios is a doubt due to a muscle problem, but substitute Angel Correa is expected to push for a starting position after scoring against Real Madrid, potentially at the expense of Alexander Sorloth or Julian Alvarez.
Possible Lineups
Benfica: Trubin; Araujo, Silva, Otamendi, Fernandez; Aursnes, Luis, Kokcu; Di Maria, Akturkoglou, Pavlidis
Atletico Madrid: Oblak; Molina, Le Normand, Gimenez, Reinildo; De Paul, Llorente, Gallagher; Griezmann, Alvarez, Correa
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