Benfica departed for Madrid this morning ahead of their crucial Champions League playoff second leg against Real Madrid, with forward Pablo Prestianni included in the traveling squad. His inclusion confirms expectations and strengthens the Portuguese side’s attacking options as they attempt to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg.
Prestianni was seen at the airport alongside Benfica’s key figures, Simão Sabrosa and Mário Branco, signaling his importance to the team’s plans for the match at the Santiago Bernabéu. The presence of these influential figures alongside the young Argentinian underscores the club’s commitment to a strong performance in Madrid.
The Benfica delegation was led onto the plane by manager José Mourinho, who received a warm reception from supporters present at the airport. Goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin and midfielder Oleksandr Sudakov were among the first players to board, highlighting the team’s key personnel for the challenging fixture. Benfica’s departure took place at 10:30 local time, with an expected arrival in the Spanish capital around an hour later. The match against Real Madrid is scheduled for Wednesday evening at 20:00 local time.
Mourinho’s Absence and Benfica’s Squad Depth
While Mourinho will be present in Madrid, he will not be on the touchline during the match. As reported by Sporting News, the Benfica coach is serving a suspension following a red card received during the first leg. Mourinho was sent off after arguing with the referee over a challenge by Vinicius Jr., receiving two yellow cards in quick succession. UEFA regulations stipulate a suspension for managers dismissed during competitions.
Despite Mourinho’s absence from the sideline, Benfica has assembled a 24-man squad for the trip to Madrid. The squad list, released by the club, includes three goalkeepers – Trubin, Samuel Soares, and Diogo Ferreira – and a robust selection of defenders, midfielders, and forwards. The team’s composition suggests a balanced approach, prepared for both defensive solidity and attacking threat.
Real Madrid’s Recent Form and Mourinho’s Preparation
Benfica faces a formidable opponent in Real Madrid, who are coming off a recent setback in La Liga. According to Yahoo Sports, Real Madrid suffered a 2-1 defeat to Osasuna, a result that may offer Mourinho valuable insights into their opponent’s vulnerabilities. The report suggests that Mourinho has been analyzing Real Madrid’s defensive struggles, particularly when key attacking players commit forward, potentially identifying areas for Benfica to exploit.
The Portuguese coach is known for his meticulous preparation and tactical acumen. His return to the Santiago Bernabéu, albeit in a limited capacity due to the suspension, adds an extra layer of intrigue to the match. Mourinho previously managed Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013, achieving success in domestic competitions but falling short of Champions League glory.
Full Benfica Squad List for Real Madrid Clash
Goalkeepers: Trubin, Samuel Soares, Diogo Ferreira
Defenders: Dedic, Bah, Tomás Araújo, Otamendi, António Silva, Lopes Cabral, Dahl, José Neto
Midfielders: Barrenechea, Aursnes, Richard Rios, Manu Silva, Leandro Barreiro
Forwards: Lukebakio, Sudakov, Schjelderup, Ivanovic, Rafa Silva, Pavlidis, Anísio Cabral, Prestianni
The inclusion of Prestianni, alongside established stars like Rafa Silva and the promising Sudakov, provides Benfica with a diverse range of attacking options. The team will necessitate to be at its best to overcome the first-leg deficit and secure a place in the Champions League group stages.
Mourinho Will Not Address Media Before Match
Adding to the unusual circumstances surrounding this match, José Mourinho will also refrain from speaking to the media before the game. The Independent reports that this decision is linked to the fallout from the first leg and allegations of racial abuse directed at Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr.
Benfica’s focus is now firmly on Wednesday’s match, where they will attempt to defy the odds and progress to the Champions League group stage. The team’s preparation, coupled with the presence of key players like Prestianni, will be crucial as they face a challenging encounter against a strong Real Madrid side.
The return leg promises to be a captivating contest, with Benfica aiming to overturn the first-leg deficit and secure their place among Europe’s elite. The next update will be the match result itself, and the subsequent analysis of Benfica’s performance and their prospects in the Champions League.
Share your thoughts on Benfica’s chances in Madrid and the impact of Prestianni’s inclusion in the comments below.
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