Does Richard Rios play today? Benfica x Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League at Estádio da Luz

Benfica faces Bayer Leverkusen this Wednesday, November 5, 2025, in the fourth round of the league phase of the UEFA Champions League. The game takes place at 5pm (Brasília time) at Estádio da Luz, in Lisbon, broadcast on HBO Max. Both teams need their first victory in the competition, after three rounds without triumphs.

José Mourinho confirmed Benfica’s 4-2-3-1 formation, with Richard Ríos as the centerpiece in midfield alongside Enzo Barrenechea. The 25-year-old Colombian, signed in 2025, brings versatility in marking and transitioning the ball. Bayer Leverkusen, under Kasper Hjulmand, starts with 3-4-2-1, seeking balance after draws and an initial defeat.

Referee Simone Sozza commands the match, with an average of 0.20 cards per game. The confrontation attracts attention to Ríos, who has 85% of successful passes in recent European games.

Starting lineups revealed

Benfica starts with Anatoliy Trubin in goal, followed by Fredrik Aursnes, Nicolás Otamendi, Tomás Araújo and Samuel Dahl in defense. Enzo Barrenechea and Richard Ríos anchor the midfield, with Dodi Lukebakio, Lucas Barreiro and Georgiy Sudakov increation, and Vangelis Pavlidis in attack.

At Bayer Leverkusen, Martin Flekken guards the goal, with a defense of three formed by Jarell Quansah, Loïc Badé and Edmond Tapsoba. The wings are with Arthur and Alejandro García, Íker Maza and Alex Grimaldo in the center, Claudio Echeverri and Elijah Poku behind Crysencio Kofane.

Mourinho adjusted the formation after the 3-0 victory over Porto, bringing Ríos into greater control. Hjulmand maintains the base he drew with Bayern Munich.

Role of Richard Rios in the scheme

Richard Ríos occupies the defensive midfielder position, focusing on interceptions and throws. The Colombian player records 62% of duels won in the 2025/26 Champions League, contributing two assists in three games.

His versatility allows exchanges with Barrenechea, freeing Sudakov for advances. At 25 years old, Ríos has 16.6 million euros in market value, after titles at Palmeiras.

In the final training session, Mourinho praised Ríos’ adaptation to European football, highlighting his debut in the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira. He faces Maza, with just 45% in tackles.

The Benfica midfield depends on Ríos to contain German infiltrations, registering an average of 2.5 recoveries per match.

Impact of injuries on squads

Bruma, Alexander Bah and Manuel Silva are out of Benfica due to muscle injuries. Leandro Santos and Ezequiel Fernández are also missing, limiting lateral options.

Leverkusen lose Lucas Vázquez, Nathan Tella and Axel Tape to injuries, with Exequiel Palacios sidelined. Robert Andrich is suspended in midfield.

These absences force improvisations, with António Silva ready to enter the Benfica defense. In the German, Patrik Schick expects chances in attack.

Benfica manages an average of two absences per game in the Champions League, adjusting with reserves like Andreas Schjelderup.

Mourinho and Hjulmand strategies

Mourinho prioritizes high pressure, exploiting errors in Leverkusen’s ball exits. Benfica maintains an unbeaten run of ten games in Portuguese, with 11 goals scored.

Hjulmand focuses on 58% possession in the UCL, but records three consecutive defeats away from home. The German 3-4-2-1 uses wingers to overload flanks.

• Benfica: Counterattacks with Pavlidis finishing Lukebakio’s crosses.
• Leverkusen: Infiltrations by Echeverri, testing Otamendi in appointments.
• Arbitration: Sozza favors fluidity with a low card average.

The Estádio da Luz sees 2.5 goals per game in the competition, with odds of 1.90 for Benfica to win.

Bookings ready for changes

Samuel Soares and Joshua Wynder reinforce the full-backs on the Benfica bench. Gianluca Prestianni and João Veloso add speed, with Franjo Ivanović in attack.

At Leverkusen, Janis Blaswich and Niklas Lomb cover the goal, Ferdinand Pohl in defense. Malik Tillman and Eliesse Ben Seghir create, Patrik Schick closes the offensive sector.

Replacements occur every 60 minutes on average, optimizing fatigue. Mourinho used five changes in 80% of European games.

Benfica’s depth on the wings balances the confrontation.

Recent team performance

Benfica has two defeats and a draw in the Champions League, with six goals conceded. At home, they won three leagues without conceding.

Leverkusen draws away, but without European victories, scoring four goals. Lost three in the Bundesliga.

Direct history shows a draw in 2023. Benfica converts 15% of shots at home.