Benfica will face Nacional, aiming to return to winning ways before their next match. The Nacional team already warmed up on the pitch at Estádio da Luz, met with jeers from the Benfica fans.
Starting Lineups and Substitutes
José Mourinho made three changes to the Benfica starting eleven compared to the match in Rio Maior. Dedic, Barreiro, and Prestianni replaced Bah, Barrenechea, and Lukebakio.
Tiago Margarido also made three changes to Nacional’s initial lineup from their match against Estrela. Daniel Júnior, Witi, and Matheus Dias stepped in for the suspended Paulinho Bóia and the injured Baeza and Veron.
The Benfica goalkeepers Anatoliy Trubin, Samuel Soares, and Leonardo Lopes began their warm-up to applause.
Nacional’s goalkeepers, Kaíque and Kevyn, also warmed up on the pitch. The stands were gradually filling as a strong wind made for a chilly Sunday afternoon.
Sidny and Manu were not included in Benfica’s matchday squad after being called up but unused in the 1-1 draw with Casa Pia. Gonçalo Moreira and Aursnes returned to the bench for Benfica. José Mourinho did not name a central defender among the substitutes.
Nacional substitutes: Kevyn, João Aurélio, Filipe Soares, Lenny, Joe Silva, Martin Watts, Francisco Gonçalves, Pablo Cardozo, and Lucas João.
Benfica substitutes: Samuel Soares, Alexander Bah, Enzo Barrenechea, Fredrik Aursnes, Sudakov, Gonçalo Moreira, Lukebakio, Ivanovic, and Anísio Cabral.
Nacional’s starting eleven: Kaique; Alan Núñez, Leo Santos, Zé Vítor and José Gomes; Laabidi, Matheus Dias and Igor Liziero; Daniel Júnior, Jesús Ramírez and Witi.
Fredrik Aursnes, having recovered from injury, was named on the bench. Gonçalo Moreira, a 20-year-old midfielder, was also among the substitutes.
Benfica’s confirmed lineup: Trubin; Dedic, António Silva, Otamendi and Dahl; Ríos and Barreiro; Prestianni, Rafa Silva and Schjelderup; Pavlidis.
Historical Context and Recent Form
Nacional once proved a difficult opponent for Benfica, but Benfica have won 22 of the last 24 matches between the two teams.
Nacional will attempt to achieve a club first this afternoon. They have never won at Benfica’s home, with 22 defeats and five draws in 27 matches. The last time Nacional secured points at Benfica was on 25 January 2021, in a 1-1 draw.
Benfica’s lineup on that day: Svilar; João Ferreira, Jardel, Ferro and Cervi; Pizzi, Weigl, Chiquinho and Rafa; Darwin Nunez and Seferovic.
José Mourinho made three changes from the team that started against Casa Pia (1-1) in Rio Maior. Bah, Enzo Barrenechea, and Lukebakio were replaced by Dedic, Leandro Barreiro, and Prestianni.
The Nacional team arrived at the Estádio da Luz.
Fredrik Aursnes has recovered from injury and is on the bench, having not played since 2 March.
- José Mourinho made three changes to the Benfica starting eleven.
- Tiago Margarido also made three changes to Nacional’s initial lineup.
- Nacional have never won at Benfica’s home.
The Benfica team has arrived to Estádio da Luz.