Does Richard Rios play today? Benfica x Sporting live and probable lineups for the classic in Lisbon By Thiago Lemos
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Benfica and Sporting face each other this Friday, December 5, 2025, at 8:15 pm local time on The classic brings together the third place team, with 28 points, against the second team, with 31, in a duel that could change the leadership, currently held by Porto. Richard Rios, Benfica’s Colombian midfielder, returns after suspension and should start in midfield.
The match opens the round and attracts attention as it is the first derby of the season in Luz. Benfica seeks victory to defeat their rivals, while Sporting aims to maintain their unbeaten record away from home. The broadcast takes place on ESPN on closed TV and on Disney+ in streaming, with options for fans in different zones.
The game takes place at a temperature of 14 degrees Celsius, with the possibility of light rain at the start. Capacidade of the stadium has 65 thousand people, with tickets sold out.
Return of Richard Rios to midfield
Richard Rios is suspended from the previous round and returns to the starting lineup. The 25-year-old Colombian will play alongside Enzo Barrenechea in defense protection.
Its presence reinforces Benfica’s marking and quick transitions. Rios has two goals and one assist in 11 league games.
José Mourinho praised the player’s combativeness in a recent press conference. The fans expect an immediate impact on the classic.
Benfica’s recent form at home
Benfica won the last three home games. The streak includes 2-1 over Nacional in the last round.
The team scores an average of 2.1 goals per game at home. Defesa concedes just 0.5 goals in the last five domestic matches.
Mourinho adjusted the formation to 4-2-3-1, prioritizing solidity. Ataque depends on Pavlidis, with ten goals this season.
Sporting’s undefeated streak as a visitor
Sporting has not lost away from home in the league, with four wins. Goleada 4-0 over Estoril Amadora in the last round.
The Lions’ attack averages 3.08 goals per game. Defesa is the second best, with 0.8 conceded per game.
Rui Borges maintains the 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on counterattacks. Luis Suárez leads with nine goals in all competitions.
Probable lineups with Rios on the field
Benfica plays 4-2-3-1:
- Trubin; Dedic, Antonio Silva, Otamendi, Dahl; Rios, Barrenechea; Aursnes, Sudakov, Schjelderup; Pavlidis.
Absences include Alexander Bah (cruciate ligament), Bruma (Achilles), Dodi Lukebakio (ankle) and Henrique Araujo (muscle).
Sporting also in 4-2-3-1:
- Rui Silva; Fresneda, Quaresma, Gonçalo Inácio, Araujo; Hjulmand, Morita; Catamo, Trincão, Pedro Gonçalves; Luis Suárez.
Zeno Debast (knee), Daniel Bragança (injury) and Nuno Santos (undefined) are casualties for the visitors.
Balanced record in recent derbies
In the last ten clashes, Sporting won four, Benfica three and there were three draws. The last one in Luz ended 1-1.
Benfica beat Supercopa 1-0 in July, a goal from Pavlidis. Média of goals in derbies is 2.75 per game.
Eleven of the last 12 games have seen goals from both sides. Cartões yellows surpass 5.5 on average in the five most recent.
- Benfica has 27 victories in 68 total derbies.
- Sporting has 20 victories in the same period.
- Draws represent 21% of duels.
Refereeing and game conditions
António Nobre referees the classic, with experience in three derbies. Assistentes are Bruno Jesus and Luciano Maia.
VAR gets Tiago Martins, who directed high-tension games. Quarto referee is Miguel Nogueira.
Departure starts at 8:15 pm local time, with gates opening at 6:15 pm. Reforço police officer guarantees safety on the streets of Lisboa.
Weather forecast 14 degrees and humidity of 80%, with light rain possible. Gramado of Luz is in excellent condition after maintenance.
Highlights beyond Rios in the confrontation
Vangelis Pavlidis shines with ten goals and three assists. Grego is a reference in the red attack.
Sporting’s Luis Suárez has eight goals in the league. Veterano Uruguayan explores spaces behind the defense.
Georgiy Sudakov distributes decisive passes to Benfica. Ucraniano has four assists in 12 rounds.
Pedro Gonçalves creates chances for the lions. Meia Portuguese scores two and assists five this season.
These athletes define the balance in midfield.
Broadcast options by region
ESPN broadcasts on Portugal and Brasil at 8:15 pm and 5:15 pm, respectively. Disney+ offers global HD streaming.
In the US, ESPN+ covers it at 3:15 pm (Coast Leste). Reino Unido has Premier Sports in local time.
Applications like Star+ serve América Latina with audio in Portuguese. Cobertura includes pre- and post-game analysis.
