Sport Lisboa e Benfica faces Bayer Leverkusen this Wednesday, November 5, 2025, in the fourth round of the league phase of the UEFA Champions League. The match takes place at 5pm (Brasília time) at Estádio da Luz, in Lisbon, broadcast live on HBO Max. Both teams are looking for their first victory in the competition, after three rounds without triumphs.
Coach José Mourinho confirmed Benfica’s lineup in 4-2-3-1, prioritizing defensive balance and quick transitions. Bayer Leverkusen, led by Kasper Hjulmand, adopts a 3-4-2-1 formation, focusing on ball possession and fast wingers. Italian referee Simone Sozza referees the game, known for his low average number of cards.
The confrontation marks the reunion between Mourinho and German football, in a stadium that receives around 65 thousand fans. The initial odds point to Benfica as favorites, with 1.90 for a home win, a draw at 3.60 and Leverkusen’s triumph at 4.00.
Detailed starting formations
Benfica starts with Anatoliy Trubin in goal, protected by the line of four with Fredrik Aursnes on the right flank, Tomás Araújo and Nicolás Otamendi in the defensive core, and Samuel Dahl on the left. In midfield, Enzo Barrenechea and Richard Ríos anchor the marking, while Dodi Lukebakio, Lucas Barreiro and Georgiy Sudakov create plays behind Vangelis Pavlidis.
Bayer Leverkusen responds with Martin Flekken between the posts, a defense of three with Jarell Quansah, Loïc Badé and Edmond Tapsoba, and wings occupied by Arthur and Alejandro García. Íker Maza and Alex Grimaldo control the center, with Claudio Echeverri and Elijah Poku in creation, supporting Crysencio Kofane’s attack.
These choices reflect recent adaptations by Mourinho, who tested variations in domestic games to contain counterattacks. Hjulmand, in turn, has adjusted the team after recent defeats, elevating players like Grimaldo for greater depth.
Injury and suspension challenges
Injuries affect Benfica with the absences of Bruma, Alexander Bah and Manuel Silva, all due to muscle problems. Leandro Santos and Ezequiel Fernández are also out, forcing Mourinho to improvise in defense.
Leverkusen is dealing with Lucas Vázquez, Nathan Tella and Axel Tape injured, as well as Exequiel Palacios out due to injury. Robert Andrich is suspended, which forces changes in midfield and reduces rotation options.
These absences impact the depth of the squads, with reserves such as António Silva and Andreas Schjelderup ready to join Benfica. On the German side, Janis Blaswich and Patrik Schick await their chances.
The history of injuries in the Champions League highlights the need for management, with Benfica recording an average of two absences per game in the opening rounds.
Individual highlights on the field
Tomás Araújo appears as a key player in Benfica’s defense, with 74 accuracy in passes and 62 in tackles in recent games. The 22-year-old defender faces Íker Maza, from Leverkusen, who has 61 in technique but only 45 in tackle.
Vangelis Pavlidis leads the Benfica attack with nine goals this season, while Crysencio Kofane, from the visiting team, contributes with assists in transitions. Nicolás Otamendi, captain at 37, brings experience with 30 European games.
Alex Grimaldo stands out with 20 assists this year, playing on the left flank. These direct confrontations set the pace, with Araújo neutralizing Maza’s advances in aerial duels.
Statistics show that players like Sudakov, with 50 in creativity, elevate Benfica in set pieces, contrasting with Maza’s 56 in creation.
Tactical strategies in focus
Mourinho bets on high pressure to recover balls in the final third, exploiting Leverkusen’s mistakes when passing the ball. Benfica have won three recent domestic games without conceding a goal, making it 11-nil.
Hjulmand prioritizes possession, with an average of 58% in the Champions League, but faces difficulties away from home, with three consecutive defeats. The German 3-4-2-1 looks for wingers to overload the Lisbon flanks.
- Benfica: Focus on quick counterattacks, with Pavlidis finishing Lukebakio’s crosses.
- Leverkusen: Emphasis on central infiltrations by Echeverri, testing Otamendi in individual marking.
- Arbitration: Sozza applies 0.20 cards per game on average, favoring fluidity.
These approaches result in intense duels, with Estádio da Luz registering 2.5 goals per match on average in the competition.
Bank replacement options
Benfica’s bench includes Samuel Soares, Joshua Wynder and Amar Dedić, ready to reinforce the sides. Gianluca Prestianni and João Veloso offer speed in the middle, while Franjo Ivanović and Henrique Araújo attack.
At Leverkusen, Janis Blaswich and Niklas Lomb cover the goal, with Ferdinand Pohl and Jeanuël Belocian in defense. Malik Tillman and Eliesse Ben Seghir bring creativity, and Patrik Schick completes the attack with experience.
These changes occur on average every 60 minutes, adjusting for fatigue after travel. Mourinho used five substitutions in 80% of European games, optimizing the pace.
The balance of reserves allows for tactical responses, with Benfica having greater depth in wingers.
Recent team history
Benfica has two defeats and a draw in the Champions League, with six goals conceded and three scored. At home, the team won the last three Portuguese league games without concessions.
Leverkusen remain unbeaten in away draws, but without European victories, scoring four goals in three matches. The German team lost all threelast Bundesliga games, exposing defensive weaknesses.
Direct confrontations show balance, with a draw in 2023. Mourinho seeks to break his fast against the Germans, after six games without a win.
Data indicates that Benfica converts 15% of shots into goals at home, compared to 11% for visiting Leverkusen.
