Two teams in desperate need of a spark on the continental stage meet at the Estadio da Luz, as SL Benfica host Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday in the UEFA Champions League league-phase. Both sides are still searching for their first victories in the competition, and failure to collect three points here could significantly dent their hopes of advancing beyond the opening stage.
It has been a turbulent campaign in Europe for Benfica, whose Champions League journey began with heartbreak. Despite establishing a two-goal lead against Qarabag on Matchday 1, the Portuguese giants capitulated late on to lose 3-2, a result that set the tone for their struggles.
Manager Bruno Lage’s early exit gave way to Jose Mourinho’s much-publicized return, but the former Chelsea boss has been unable to reverse their European fortunes. A narrow 1-0 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and a 3-0 loss to Newcastle United at St. James’ Park have left the Lisbon club second from bottom in the standings, still without a point after three matches.
Mourinho’s side have been defensively fragile and ineffective going forward, registering only eight shots on target across three games, among the lowest in the competition. Yet, domestically, Benfica have been a completely different force. A 3-0 victory over Vitoria de Guimaraes last weekend extended their unbeaten run to 10 matches in the Primeira Liga, including five consecutive clean sheets and a combined 11 goals scored in their last three.
That defensive discipline and attacking fluidity at home will be essential if Benfica are to keep their European hopes alive. The Portuguese side have a proud history against German opposition at the Luz, and they will be counting on that fortress-like reputation to inspire a revival on Wednesday night.
Bayer Leverkusen, meanwhile, have seen their early-season rhythm disrupted by two heavy defeats on the bounce. The 3-0 loss to Bayern Munich last weekend was Kasper Hjulmand’s first domestic defeat since taking charge, following on from the humbling 7-2 drubbing by Paris Saint-Germain on Matchday 3.
That defeat to PSG equaled the total number of goals Leverkusen conceded during the entire league-phase last season, a stark reminder of their recent defensive frailties. It also extended their winless Champions League run to three matches, following earlier draws with FC Copenhagen (2-2) and PSV Eindhoven (1-1).
Despite those setbacks, the German club’s away record remains encouraging. They have won four of their seven matches on the road this season across all competitions, demonstrating resilience and attacking efficiency away from the BayArena. With the likes of Jonas Hofmann, Aleix Garcia, and young forward Christian Kofane in attack, Leverkusen possess the weapons to trouble any opponent.
Bayer Leverkusen’s challenge, however, lies in rediscovering the defensive organisation and balance that made them Bundesliga champions in 2023/24. Against a Benfica side likely to come out aggressively, Hjulmand will need his team to stay compact, transition quickly, and capitalise on counter-attacking opportunities.
Both sides enter this match-up in precarious positions but for different reasons. Benfica’s inability to translate their domestic brilliance to the European stage contrasts sharply with Bayer Leverkusen’s current crisis of confidence. With both teams desperate for momentum and goals, this fixture promises intensity, tactical intrigue, and high stakes.
Expect Mourinho’s Benfica to start on the front foot at home, while Bayer Leverkusen will look to strike through quick transitional play. The margins could be fine, but the outcome might define the trajectory of their respective European campaigns. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.
Benfica head into this crucial home fixture against Bayer Leverkusen with several notable absentees that could once again test their squad depth. Alexander Bah, Manu Silva, and Bruma all remain sidelined through injury, continuing their respective recoveries.
Bah is still nursing a hamstring problem sustained earlier in the campaign, while Manu Silva is dealing with a lingering ankle issue that has limited his involvement this season. Bruma, who offers pace and width down the left flank, is recovering from a calf strain and is not expected to feature until after the next international break.
Additionally, Amar Dedic remains unavailable, leaving Benfica somewhat stretched in the defensive wide areas. On a more positive note, Antonio Silva could return to the starting lineup after being rested for the previous domestic fixture. His experience and composure would add much-needed solidity at the back, especially against Leverkusen’s quick transitions.
Manager Jose Mourinho is likely to retain the 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on maintaining compact defensive organization while exploiting spaces in behind through dynamic wingers. In goal, Anatoliy Trubin will continue as the first-choice shot-stopper, protected by a back four consisting of Fredrik Aursnes at right-back, Nicolas Otamendi and Tomas Araujo as the central defensive pairing, and Samuel Dahl operating on the left. Aursnes, though naturally a midfielder, has impressed in a makeshift full-back role and is expected to retain his place.
In midfield, Enzo Barrenechea and Richard Rios will anchor the double pivot, tasked with shielding the defence and facilitating transitions from deep. Ahead of them, Andreas Schjelderup is likely to occupy the central attacking midfield role, providing creativity and fluid movement between the lines. The flanks should feature Georgiy Sudakov on the left and Dodi Lukebakio on the right, both offering pace and directness to stretch Leverkusen’s back line.
Up front, Vangelis Pavlidis is set to lead the attack once again. The Greek striker has been in prolific domestic form with 13 goals in all competitions, though he has only found the net once in the Champions League so far.
His hold-up play and aerial ability will be central to Benfica’s offensive plan, particularly as they aim to capitalise on set-piece opportunities and quick breaks through the wings. Benfica’s tactical emphasis will be on maintaining discipline in the defensive phases while relying on individual brilliance and speed in transition to unsettle Leverkusen’s high defensive line.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Trubin; Aursnes, Otamendi, Araujo, Dahl; Barrenechea, Rios; Schjelderup, Sudakov, Lukebakio; Pavlidis
Bayer Leverkusen will head into their trip to Lisbon with several significant absentees that could influence manager Kasper Hjulmand’s tactical setup. The German club are without Exequiel Palacios, Lucas Vazquez, Axel Tape, Equi Fernandez, and Nathan Tella, all of whom are sidelined through injury.
Palacios continues his recovery from a thigh strain, while Vazquez is managing an ongoing knee issue that has kept him out for the last few weeks. Fernandez and Tape are both dealing with muscular problems, and Tella remains unavailable due to a hamstring concern sustained in training.
Adding to Hjulmand’s selection headache, club captain Robert Andrich will miss the fixture through suspension after receiving a red card in the heavy defeat against Paris Saint-Germain. His absence will be felt in midfield, where his experience and leadership are typically vital during transitions and defensive organisation.
On a more positive note, Patrik Schick has regained full fitness and is expected to feature for the first time since the opening game of the campaign. The Czech striker’s comeback offers Leverkusen a much-needed focal point in attack, providing both aerial threat and clinical finishing inside the penalty area.
Tactically, Leverkusen are expected to deploy their familiar 3-4-2-1 formation, built on width, dynamic wing play, and fluid attacking movements. In goal, Mark Flekken will retain his place, shielded by a back three consisting of Edmond Tapsoba, Loic Bade, and Jarell Quansah, all of whom bring composure and mobility in possession.
The wing-backs will be pivotal to Hjulmand’s system: Alejandro Grimaldo on the left and Arthur on the right are tasked with providing width, stretching Benfica’s defensive block, and supplying crosses into the box. In midfield, Aleix Garcia and Claudio Echeverri are expected to anchor the central areas, balancing defensive coverage with forward progression in the absence of Andrich.
Further up the field, Ernest Poku and Christian Kofane are likely to support the lone striker as attacking midfielders, drifting into half-spaces to create overloads and exploit gaps between Benfica’s lines. Finally, Patrik Schick will spearhead the attack, tasked with holding up play and finishing off chances created by Leverkusen’s fluid supporting cast.
Hjulmand’s primary objective will be restoring defensive solidity after recent setbacks while maintaining the sharp counter-attacking transitions that have been Leverkusen’s hallmark. The return of Schick gives Die Werkself an extra dimension in attack, potentially tipping the balance in their favor during crucial moments.
Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Flekken; Quansah, Bade, Tapsoba; Grimaldo, Garcia, Echeverri, Arthur; Poku, Kofane; Schick
Benfica are unbeaten in their last four competitive matches with Bayer Leverkusen; they have won two, drawn one and lost one.
Benfica’s defensive struggles in this season’s UEFA Champions League: they have conceded seven goals in three games, an average of 2.34 goals conceded per match.
Benfica’s offensive inefficiency in Europe: they have managed just 0.67 goals per game in this Champions League campaign to date.
Bayer Leverkusen’s strong away-record context: though league form may differ, the club has set a new record in the Bundesliga for consecutive away matches without defeat (33 matches).
Benfica’s low shots-on-target rate: in domestic competition they average about six shots on target per match, indicating less attacking threat than top European sides.
After a long battle with injuries, Patrik Schick’s return could not come at a better time for Bayer Leverkusen. The Czech striker has long been one of Europe’s most elegant and clinical finishers, and his presence instantly changes the dynamic of Leverkusen’s attack. Known for his intelligent positioning, composed finishing, and ability to strike with both feet, Schick is capable of turning half-chances into goals, a quality his side has sorely missed in recent weeks.
At his best, Schick combines a poacher’s instinct with playmaking awareness, often dropping deep to link with midfielders before darting into the box to finish. His chemistry with creative forces like Alejandro Grimaldo and Claudio Echeverri will be crucial as Leverkusen look to break through Benfica’s compact defensive lines.
Having scored five goals in his last eight Champions League appearances, Schick’s knack for performing on the big stage makes him the standout player to watch. If he can rediscover his rhythm early, Leverkusen’s attack will regain both cutting edge and confidence, potentially deciding the outcome of this evenly balanced tie.
Both sides enter this encounter in need of a statement win, but for very different reasons. Benfica have dominated domestically yet struggled to translate that control into European success, often looking blunt in the final third. Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen have been inconsistent defensively but possess far greater attacking variety and transitional speed, even with key absences.
The return of Patrik Schick provides Leverkusen with a reliable focal point, while Alejandro Grimaldo and Ernest Poku can exploit Benfica’s tendency to leave space out wide. On the other hand, Benfica will lean on Vangelis Pavlidis for goals, but the Portuguese side’s recent lack of sharpness against compact defences remains concerning.
Leverkusen’s pressing structure and vertical passing could tilt the balance in their favour, especially if Benfica fail to control midfield transitions. Expect Jose Mourinho’s men to be resilient, but the visitors’ attacking fluidity might ultimately prove decisive.
