Juventus vs Benfica: Match Preview, Predictions & Lineups

Fixture: Juventus vs Benfica

Date: Wednesday, 29 January 2025

Kick-off Time: 20:00 CET

Venue: Juventus Stadium, Turin

Competition: UEFA Champions League, Matchday 8

Juventus and Benfica face off in a decisive Matchday 8 clash in the UEFA Champions League league phase. Juventus, with 12 points, are two points ahead of Benfica, making this a crucial game for both sides. Juventus' recent form in the competition has been mixed, with a 0-0 draw at Club Brugge on Matchday 7. Meanwhile, Benfica suffered a dramatic 4-5 loss to Barcelona, squandering a 4-2 lead in their last match.

This encounter holds extra weight given the clubs' storied European histories and their past battles, where Benfica holds a dominant record with six wins in eight meetings.

Previous Meetings: 8

• Juventus Wins: 1
• Benfica Wins: 6
• Draws: 1
  

Benfica 4-3 Juventus (October 2022, UCL Group Stage)

• A thrilling encounter where Benfica secured their qualification with goals from Rafa Silva and João Mário.

Juventus 3-0 Benfica (March 1993, UEFA Europa League)

• Juventus' only win over Benfica came in this quarter-final second leg, led by Ravanelli and Kohler.
  

• Last 5 Matches (All Competitions): L-D-W-D-D
• Most Recent Champions League Result: Club Brugge 0-0 Juventus (UEFA Champions League)
• Key Stat: Juventus has struggled for goals recently, scoring just 5 in their last 5 matches in all competitions.
  

• Last 5 Matches (All Competitions): L-L-W-W-L
• Most Recent Champions League Result: Benfica 4-5 Barcelona (UEFA Champions League)
• Key Stat: Benfica has conceded 7 goals in their last 3 Champions League matches.
  

Formation: Likely 4-2-3-1 under Thiago Motta.

Key Players:

• Dušan Vlahović: Juventus’ top scorer in the competition with 4 goals, critical for breaking Benfica's defence.
• Manuel Locatelli: A stabilizing presence in midfield, vital for controlling the tempo.
• Bremer: The Brazilian centre-back will be tasked with organizing Juventus’ defence against Benfica's attacking threats.

Suspensions/Injuries:

• Teun Koopmeiners: A booking would rule him out of Juventus' next match.
• Arkadiusz Milik: Ruled out due to calf injury.
• Bremer: Ruled out due to Cruciate ligament tear.
• Juan Cabal: Ruled out due to Cruciate ligament tear.
  

Formation: Likely 4-3-3 under Bruno Lage.

Key Players:

• Vangelis Pavlidis: The Greek forward has been in fine form, scoring 4 goals in the Champions League this season.
• Ángel Di María: The experienced Argentine will be pivotal in attack, particularly against his former club.
• Nicolás Otamendi: The veteran centre-back provides leadership and stability at the back.

Suspensions/Injuries:

• Arthur Cabral and Álvaro Carreras: Both suspended.
• Florentino, Orkun Kökçü, and Fredrik Aursnes: All at risk of missing the next match if booked.
• Renato Sanches: Ruled out due to a muscle injury.
• Tiago Gouveia: Ruled oy due to a knee injury. 
  

Juventus will likely aim to dominate midfield with their three-man central setup, utilising wing-backs Andrea Cambiaso and Weston McKennie to stretch the pitch. Vlahović's link-up play with Kenan Yıldız will be vital in breaking through Benfica's defence. Defensively,  Pierre Kalulu and Federico Gatti must stay compact to contain Benfica's dangerous counterattacks.

Benfica will rely on a high-pressing game, with Di María and Pavlidis exploiting Juventus’ defensive gaps. The midfield trio of Aursnes, Kökçü, and Florentino must ensure creativity while remaining disciplined to counter Juventus’ transitions. Otamendi’s leadership will be crucial to manage Juventus' aerial threat.

Juventus 2-2 Benfica

With both teams needing points, this match could be an open and high-scoring affair. Juventus' home advantage might be nullified by Benfica's potent attack.

Ángel Di María, currently with Benfica, played a season for Juventus in 2022/23, scoring 8 goals in 40 appearances. This match marks his return to Turin in a Benfica shirt.

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All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication.