Verdict: Draw
Best odds: 23/10
Bookmaker: ZetBet
Benfica will be looking to extend their winning streak to five games across all competitions when they host Atletico Madrid at Estadio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
Since making a managerial change last month, the Eagles have found their form, while Atletico Madrid continue their journey under long-serving coach Diego Simeone, aiming to maintain their competitive edge in Europe’s top competition.
Benfica
After a disappointing 1-1 draw against Moreirense on August 30, Benfica parted ways with Roger Schmidt. Since then, the team has flourished under new coach Bruno Lage, winning all four of their matches across the Primeira Liga and Champions League.
Most recently, Benfica delivered a dominant 5-0 win over Gil Vicente on Saturday, with key players like Nicolas Otamendi contributing goals. Gil Vicente managed only two shots on goal, showcasing Benfica’s defensive strength led by Anatolii Trubin.
Lage, who previously coached Wolverhampton Wanderers and Botafogo in Brazil, has revitalized the team, earning praise for getting the best out of a talented squad. His leadership has brought stability and renewed momentum, with Benfica collecting 12 points from a possible 12 since September.
In their Champions League opener, Benfica edged out Red Star Belgrade 2-1 in Serbia, with first-half goals from Kerem Akturkoglou and Orkun Kokcu. Although Milson’s late strike created tension, Benfica held on for the win. Akturkoglou has been a standout performer, providing four goal contributions in three Primeira Liga matches this season and playing a key role for both club and country throughout September.
Team News
Benfica will continue to be without midfielder Renato Sanches, as the 27-year-old remains sidelined with a muscle injury he sustained in late August. Additionally, Tiago Gouveia, who has yet to make an appearance under new coach Bruno Lage, is also unavailable due to a shoulder issue. Both players are still working on their recoveries and will miss the upcoming match against Atletico Madrid.
Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid extended their unbeaten streak at the start of the 2024/25 season to nine games with a dramatic comeback against Real Madrid on Sunday night at the Civitas Metropolitano. After a goalless first half, Real Madrid took the lead through a strike by Eder Militao, but Atletico refused to concede defeat. A 95th-minute equalizer from substitute Angel Correa ensured a 1-1 draw in the intense derby.
Despite the unbeaten run, Atletico have only won four of their eight La Liga matches, leaving them five points behind league leaders Barcelona as the international break looms. Defensively, however, they remain formidable, having conceded just three goals in their last eight games across all competitions.
Diego Simeone’s side, one of the most defensively solid teams in this season’s Champions League, will aim to make it two wins from two in the group stage after their 2-1 victory over RB Leipzig, secured by goals from Antoine Griezmann and Jose Gimenez. However, Atletico are still searching for their first-ever trophy in Europe’s premier competition.
Team News
Atletico Madrid will be missing experienced defender Cesar Azpilicueta for their Champions League clash against Benfica, as the 35-year-old continues to recover from a thigh strain. Additionally, midfielder Pablo Barrios remains a doubt for the trip to Portugal despite returning to first-team training after suffering a muscle injury earlier in September.
Angel Correa, who scored the dramatic late equalizer against Real Madrid, will be pushing for a starting role. His inclusion could see either Alexander Sorloth or Julian Alvarez drop out of Simeone’s starting XI.
Conclusion
With Bruno Lage overseeing an unbeaten run since taking charge, Benfica will feel confident in challenging Atletico Madrid at the Estadio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica on Wednesday night.
Meanwhile, Atletico will aim to extend their unbeaten streak to 10 matches. Given their strong defensive record and recent form, a draw seems a likely outcome.
Verdict: Draw
Best odds: 23/10
Bookmaker: ZetBet
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