Atlético Madrid eyeing UCL win over Benfica after derby draw.

2024-09-27

As Benfica host Atlético de Madrid at the Estádio do Benfica for a UEFA Champions League showdown, both teams will be eager to secure crucial points in a match that promises intrigue, with Benfica seeking a rare successive victory and Atlético aiming to capitalize on their strong away form against Portuguese sides.

Benfica

Bruno Lage got off to a flying start with Benfica in the UEFA Champions League after a 2-1 win over Zvezda on Match Day 1. The Eagles took a two-goal lead inside half an hour before Zvezda struck in the 86th minute through Milson.

The opening day win ensured Benfica could compete with the likes of Real Madrid and Liverpool in the top half of the new UEFA Champions League league phase. Currently, Benfica sits 11th with 3 points ahead of Match Day 2, where they will face Atletico Madrid in their third meeting in the UEFA Champions League.

Benfica and Atlético Madrid’s only prior encounters were in the group stage of the 2015-16 UEFA Champions League, with both teams losing 1-2 at home. Following their victory on Match Day 1, a win over Atletico Madrid would grant Benfica two opening UCL victories for just the third time.

However, Benfica's recent record against Spanish teams is not promising, as they have won just one of their last 10 home games against such sides in all European competition. Vangelis Pavlidis is set to lead the attack in Lage's familiar 4-2-3-1 formation.

It is important to note that Renato Sanches and Tiago Gouveia are both ruled out for the upcoming match.

Atlético Madrid

After a 1-1 draw in an ill-tempered Madrid derby, Atlético de Madrid will be looking to bounce back to winning ways on the road when they visit Estádio do Benfica. The weekend’s game saw Marcos Llorente sent off in stoppage time, well after the game came to a temporary stop following fan trouble.

‘The person who throws a lighter should not come any more. It happened to Courtois at the Bernabéu once when he played for us. It happens, and it will happen again,’ Diego Simeone said after the game. On Wednesday, the Atlético Madrid manager would like to see his side put up the same fighting spirit seen at the weekend against Madrid.

They have won three of their last four UEFA Champions League away games against Portuguese opponents, an impressive record to hold on to at Benfica. However, Atlético Madrid have only won once in their last nine UEFA Champions League away games.

A 4—3—1—2 formation with Alexander Sørloth and Julián Alvarez in attack is expected here.