What is at stake for Benfica in this match?
Benfica needs to win to keep their hopes alive for advancing in the Champions League.
Yanuki
ARTICLE DETAIL
Benfica vs. Ajax: A Champions League Showdown | Mikal Bridges Struggles with Inconsistency, Plagued by Foul Trouble | Nazar's PPG Wins It in Overtime: Blackhawks Beat Mammoth | Pacers-Clippers Trade: Mathurin and Zubac's Impact | Troy Wins Sun Belt Tournament, Earns NCAA Berth | RMU Men's Hockey Advances to AHA Semifinals After Tense Series | Oregon State Basketball: The End of the Wayne Tinkle Era | Mexico vs. USA: Intense Rivalry at the World Baseball Classic 2026 | Italy vs. Great Britain in 2026 World Baseball Classic: Espresso-Fueled Victory | Benfica vs. Ajax: A Champions League Showdown | Mikal Bridges Struggles with Inconsistency, Plagued by Foul Trouble | Nazar's PPG Wins It in Overtime: Blackhawks Beat Mammoth | Pacers-Clippers Trade: Mathurin and Zubac's Impact | Troy Wins Sun Belt Tournament, Earns NCAA Berth | RMU Men's Hockey Advances to AHA Semifinals After Tense Series | Oregon State Basketball: The End of the Wayne Tinkle Era | Mexico vs. USA: Intense Rivalry at the World Baseball Classic 2026 | Italy vs. Great Britain in 2026 World Baseball Classic: Espresso-Fueled Victory
Sports / Soccer
Benfica vs. Ajax: A Champions League Showdown
Benfica and Ajax face off in a critical Champions League match where both teams are desperate for points. With zero points in the competition so far, this game is seen as a 'must-win' for Benfica. The match takes place at Johan Cruijff Aren...
Key Insights
- Benfica and Ajax are both at the bottom of their Champions League group with zero points.
- Benfica's coach, José Mourinho, considers this match a 'final' that must be won.
- The game marks the 10th encounter between the two teams, with Ajax holding a slight advantage in the head-to-head record.
- Benfica has injury concerns with Leandro Santos and Lukebakio sidelined, and doubts surrounding Alexander Bah and Bruma.
- New player Manu Silva is available for Benfica after a long injury layoff.
- **Why This Matters:** A victory is crucial for either team's chances of advancing in the Champions League. For Benfica, it’s about staying alive in the competition after a series of defeats.
In-Depth Analysis
Benfica's journey in the Champions League has been challenging, with losses to Qarabag, Bayer Leverkusen, Chelsea and Newcastle. They still have tough matches ahead against Napoli, Juventus, and Real Madrid. This game against Ajax represents their most accessible opportunity to gain points in the immediate future.
The historical head-to-head record favors Ajax, but Benfica famously defeated them in the 2021/22 Champions League round of 16. José Mourinho's teams have a strong record against Ajax, winning all seven previous encounters.
**Probable Lineups:**
- **Benfica:** Trubin; Aursnes, Tomás Araújo, Otamendi, Dahl; Barrenechea, Richard Ríos, Sudakov, Dedic, Barreiro; Pavlidis.
- **Ajax:** Pasveer; Gaaei, Sutalo, Baas, Winjdal; Klaasen, Taylor, Regeer, Godts, Gloukh; Weghorst.
The match will be officiated by German referee Sven Jablonski.
**Broadcast Information:** The game is scheduled for 18:45 local time (17:45 in Lisbon, 14:45 in Brasília) and will be broadcast on TNT and HBO Max in Brazil, and Sport TV Multiscreen and Sport TV5 in Portugal.
FAQ
What are Benfica's injury concerns?
Leandro Santos and Lukebakio are injured, while Alexander Bah and Bruma are doubtful.
Where can I watch the game?
TNT and HBO Max in Brazil, and Sport TV Multiscreen and Sport TV5 in Portugal.
Takeaways
- This match is a critical juncture for both Benfica and Ajax in their Champions League campaign.
- Benfica needs to overcome their injury concerns and capitalize on what their coach considers their most accessible upcoming fixture.
- Pay attention to the team lineups, especially the inclusion of Manu Silva for Benfica after his return from injury.
Discussion
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Sources
Disclaimer
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