Benfica vs Sporting CP — Match Preview
The Derby de Lisboa takes center stage this Friday night as SL Benfica host arch-rivals Sporting CP at the Estádio da Luz. The stakes couldn’t be higher: Sporting sit 2nd with 31 points, chasing league leaders Porto, while Benfica trail closely in 3rd with 28 points. A win for the Eagles would draw them level on points with their city neighbors.
The narrative is dominated by the return of José Mourinho to the fixture that launched his managerial career over two decades ago. Since taking charge in September, the “Special One” has stabilized Benfica, guiding them to a recent 2-0 win over Ajax in the Champions League. However, he faces a Sporting side that has been ruthless under Rui Borges, boasting the league’s best defense (only 6 goals conceded) and an attack that just put four past Estrela Amadora. With both teams missing their marquee summer signings due to injury, this derby will test the depth and tactical wit of two of Portugal’s finest.
Benfica vs Sporting CP — Quick Match Info
- Fixture: SL Benfica vs Sporting CP
- Competition: Liga Portugal Betclic (Matchday 13)
- Venue: Estádio da Luz, Lisbon (Capacity: 64,642)
- Date: Friday, 05 December 2025
- Kickoff Time: 20:15 WET / 21:15 CET / 01:45 IST (Saturday)
- Referee: João Pinheiro (Expected)
- TV Channel (Portugal): BTV
- TV Channel (International): TrillerTV+, GolTV
- Live Stream: BTV Online, Fanatiz
Benfica vs Sporting CP — Match Context (2025/26 Season)
SL Benfica:
- Position: 3rd in Primeira Liga (28 Points).
- Form: Resilient. Since the Bayer Leverkusen loss, they have bounced back with three straight wins in all competitions, including a professional 2-0 victory over Ajax and a gritty 2-1 comeback vs Nacional.
- Current Challenge: Breaking down Sporting’s green wall. Benfica have struggled to dominate possession in big games, but Mourinho’s counter-attacking setup might suit this derby perfectly.
Sporting CP:
- Position: 2nd in Primeira Liga (31 Points).
- Form: Imperious. They have won 10 of their 12 league games. The recent 4-0 thrashing of Estrela and 3-0 win over Club Brugge show a team firing on all cylinders despite injuries.
- Current Challenge: Surviving the “Luz” factor without key defenders. The loss of Zeno Debast disrupts their back three chemistry.
Benfica vs Sporting CP — What’s at Stake
For Benfica:
- Title Race Survival: A loss would leave them 6 points behind Sporting and potentially 9 behind Porto. A win is non-negotiable to stay in the title conversation.
For Sporting CP:
- Top Spot Pressure: A win would temporarily put them top (depending on Porto’s result) and deal a massive psychological blow to Mourinho’s project.
Benfica vs Sporting CP — Team Form
SL Benfica (Last 5 Matches):
- W vs Nacional (2-1)
- W vs Ajax (2-0 – CL)
- W vs Atletico CP (2-0 – Cup)
- D vs Casa Pia (2-2)
- L vs Bayer Leverkusen (0-1 – CL)
Sporting CP (Last 5 Matches):
- W vs Estrela Amadora (4-0)
- W vs Club Brugge (3-0 – CL)
- W vs Marinhense (3-0 – Cup)
- W vs Santa Clara (2-1)
- D vs Juventus (1-1 – CL)
Benfica vs Sporting CP — Team News
SL Benfica:
- Dodi Lukebakio: Out (Broken Ankle – The marquee summer signing is a massive loss on the wing).
- Alexander Bah: Out (Knee Injury – Tomás Araújo or Issa Kaboré will deputize at right-back).
- Henrique Araújo: Out (Muscle Injury).
- Nuno Félix: Out (Knee Injury).
- Key Return: Vangelis Pavlidis is fit and expected to lead the line, looking to add to his goal tally in his first Lisbon derby at home.
Sporting CP:
- Fotis Ioannidis: Out (Knee Injury – The Greek striker misses his first derby since his big-money move).
- Zeno Debast: Out (Injury – A significant blow to the back three; Matheus Reis or Eduardo Quaresma must step up).
- Nuno Santos: Out (Knee Injury – Maximiliano Araújo likely continues at LWB).
- Daniel Bragança: Out (Knee Injury).
- Viktor Gyökeres: The Swedish powerhouse is fully fit and will be the main threat.
Benfica vs Sporting CP — Head to Head
- 01 Aug 2025: Sporting 0–1 Benfica (Super Cup)
- 25 May 2025: Benfica 1–3 Sporting (Taça de Portugal Final)
- 10 May 2025: Benfica 1–1 Sporting (Liga)
- 12 Jan 2025: Sporting 1–2 Benfica (League Cup)
- 30 Dec 2024: Sporting 1–0 Benfica (Liga)
Benfica vs Sporting CP — Predicted Lineups
SL Benfica (4-2-3-1):
Mourinho will likely rely on Di María’s experience in the derby atmosphere.
- GK: Anatoliy Trubin
- RB: Tomás Araújo (Replacing Bah)
- CB: Nicolás Otamendi (C)
- CB: António Silva
- LB: Álvaro Carreras
- CDM: Florentino Luís
- CDM: Orkun Kökçü
- RW: Ángel Di María
- CAM: Kerem Aktürkoğlu
- LW: Andreas Schjelderup (Replacing Lukebakio)
- ST: Vangelis Pavlidis
Sporting CP (3-4-3):
Rui Borges sticks to the system that has served Sporting so well.
- GK: Franco Israel
- CB: Eduardo Quaresma (Replacing Debast)
- CB: Ousmane Diomande
- CB: Gonçalo Inácio
- RWB: Geovany Quenda
- CM: Morten Hjulmand (C)
- CM: Hidemasa Morita
- LWB: Maximiliano Araújo
- RW: Francisco Trincão
- ST: Viktor Gyökeres
- LW: Pedro Gonçalves (Pote)
Benfica vs Sporting CP — Impact Bench Options
SL Benfica:
- Arthur Cabral: Offers a physical presence in the box if Benfica need to go direct late in the game.
- Gianluca Prestianni: The young Argentine can provide a spark against tired legs.
Sporting CP:
- Marcus Edwards: Even as a substitute, his dribbling ability is elite. He can unlock a tight game in seconds.
- Conrad Harder: The young striker is a capable backup if Gyökeres needs support.
Benfica vs Sporting CP — Tactical Outlook
SL Benfica:
- Playing Style: Mourinho Pragmatism. Expect Benfica to be compact defensively, wary of Gyökeres’ transition threat. They will look to exploit the space behind Sporting’s wing-backs using Di María’s vision and Schjelderup’s pace.
- Weakness: Right Flank. With Bah out, Tomás Araújo or Kaboré will be targeted by Pote and Maxi Araújo.
Sporting CP:
- Playing Style: High Intensity Press. Sporting will try to suffocate Benfica’s build-up. Hjulmand and Morita will aggressively press Kökçü to prevent him from dictating play.
- Strength: The Front Three. The chemistry between Gyökeres, Pote, and Trincão is the best in the league. They can score from any angle.
Benfica vs Sporting CP — Key Battles
| Matchup | Battle Type | Edge |
| Nicolás Otamendi vs. Viktor Gyökeres | The Main Event: Otamendi loves a battle, but Gyökeres is a physical monster. If Otamendi dives in and misses, Gyökeres is through. | Sporting |
| Florentino Luís vs. Pedro Gonçalves | The Screen vs. The Ghost: Florentino must cut the passing lanes to Pote. If Pote finds space between the lines, he will hurt Benfica. | Benfica |
| Ángel Di María vs. Maximiliano Araújo | Experience vs. Energy: Di María will drift inside. Maxi Araújo needs to decide whether to follow him or hold his position. | Tie |
Benfica vs Sporting CP — Spotlight Players
Vangelis Pavlidis (Benfica):
The Greek striker has big shoes to fill with Ramos long gone and Lukebakio injured. He needs to hold up the ball and bring the wingers into play. A goal in the derby would make him an instant hero.
Geovany Quenda (Sporting CP):
The teenage sensation continues to impress. Playing as a wing-back, his defensive discipline will be tested by Schjelderup and Carreras, but his attacking output is vital for Sporting’s width.
Benfica vs Sporting CP — Fan Reactions
Benfica Fans:
“In Mourinho we trust. He knows how to win these ugly games. 1-0 is all we need.”
“No Lukebakio is a blow, but Schjelderup is ready. Let’s paint Lisbon Red.”
Sporting Fans:
“We are the champions in waiting. Gyökeres will destroy their backline.”
“No Ioannidis? No problem. Pote and Trincão will step up.”
Benfica vs Sporting CP — Match-Defining Factors
- The Midfield Battle: Kökçü vs Hjulmand. The winner of this duel controls the tempo.
- Set Pieces: Benfica are dangerous from corners with Otamendi and Silva. Sporting’s defense is missing the height of Debast.
- Crowd Factor: The Estádio da Luz will be deafening. If Benfica start well, the energy will carry them.
Benfica vs Sporting CP — Prediction
Score Prediction: Benfica 1–1 Sporting CP
Betting Insights:
- Outcome: Draw.
- Both Teams to Score: YES (Too much attacking talent on both sides to stay goalless).
- Total Cards: Over 6.5 Cards (It’s a Lisbon Derby; tempers will flare).
Analysis: Sporting are the better team on form, but Benfica have the home advantage and the tactical cunning of José Mourinho. Both teams are missing key players (Lukebakio, Ioannidis), which might blunt their attacks slightly. A tense, hard-fought draw seems the most likely outcome, keeping the title race agonizingly close.
Benfica vs Sporting CP — Final Word
The Derby de Lisboa never disappoints. Benfica are fighting to stay alive in the title race, while Sporting CP want to assert their dominance. With Mourinho in the dugout and Gyökeres on the pitch, expect drama, controversy, and a match played at a fever pitch.
Benfica vs Sporting CP — FAQs
When is the Benfica vs Sporting match?
The match kicks off on Friday, 05 December 2025, at 20:15 WET (Saturday 01:45 IST).
Is Dodi Lukebakio playing?
No, Dodi Lukebakio is out with a broken ankle.
Is José Mourinho the Benfica coach?
Yes, in this timeline, José Mourinho took over as Benfica manager in September 2025.
Where can I watch the match in India?
You can stream the match via Fanatiz or check listings for TrillerTV+.
Call to Action — SportsphereArena Community
Will the Special One halt the Sporting machine? Drop your score predictions below!
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