Benficavs.Boavista

The Reds head into this clash buoyed by their progression into the UEFA Champions League round of 16 after emerging 4-3 winners over French side Monaco across a two-legged playoff tie.

Match preview

Securing a 1-0 victory in France proved pivotal for Benfica, who battled to avoid defeat in a thrilling six-goal return leg at Estadio da Luz, with Orkun Kokcu's 84th-minute strike ensuring a 3-3 draw that sealed their passage.

While that result extended their run to three round-of-16 appearances in four seasons, it also halted a five-match winning streak that had reinforced their title charge.

That streak included three Primeira Liga victories, overcoming Estrela Amadora and Moreirense before grinding out a 1-0 win at Santa Clara, a result that left Bruno Lage's side second in the standings with 52 points, just two behind leaders Sporting Lisbon, who dropped points against Arouca.

Looking to close the gap further, Benfica will step onto the pitch with three points written all over their chests, given their formidable record at Da Luz, where they have won 10 of their 11 top-flight encounters this season, amassing 30 points — the highest home tally in the division.

The Reds' dominance at the ground is built on excellence at both ends, boasting a league-high 34 goals while conceding just eight, the second-best defensive record.

Further adding to Benfica's confidence is their formidable home dominance in this fixture, having triumphed in each of the last seven top-flight meetings with this weekend's visitors.

Meanwhile, Lito Vidigal's tenure at Boavista got off to a disappointing start, with his side falling to a 1-0 home defeat against Estrela in his first match in charge.

Vidigal took the reins from Cristiano Bacci, who departed with the team rooted to the bottom of the table after collecting just 12 points, and their latest setback did nothing to lift them from that position.

That result also extended Os Axadrezados' winless run to 12 matches, with their last triumph dating as far back as early November, when they edged Gil Vicente 2-1 away from home.

In fact, both of Boavista's victories this season have come on the road, with nine points from 11 matches making them the 11th-best travellers in the division.

Currently sitting eight points adrift of safety, the Chequered Ones must find a way to halt their slide, starting this weekend, as they stare down the possibility of ending their decade-long stay in the top flight.

Benfica Primeira Liga form:

L

W

L

W

W

W

Benfica form (all competitions):

W

W

W

W

W

D

Boavista Primeira Liga form:

L

L

L

L

L

L

Team News

Kokcu was forced off with an injury three minutes after his crucial equaliser against Monaco, making him a doubt for this fixture, while veteran attacker Angel Di Maria could miss a fourth consecutive match due to a muscle issue.

Meanwhile, long-term absentees Alexander Bah (ACL), Fredrik Aursnes (knee), Manu Silva (ACL) and Renato Sanches (muscle) remain sidelined as they continue their recovery.

In addition, Leandro Barreiro is suspended after picking up his fifth booking of the campaign in the win over Santa Clara.

Boavista will also be without Sebastian Perez, who exceeded the yellow card threshold after receiving a late caution against Estrela.

The visitors' injury struggles persist, with Joao Goncalves and 20-year-old Morales Pires still out with knee injuries, while Marco Ribeiro remains a doubt, having missed recent matches due to fitness concerns.

Additionally, 20-year-old left-back Julio Dabo is set to miss a fifth straight match since limping off against Casa Pia on January 20.

Benfica possible starting lineup:

Trubin; Santos, Otamendi, Silva, Carreras; Florentino Luís, Amdouni, Bruma, Dahl; Pavlidis, Belotti

Boavista possible starting lineup:

Cesar; Gomes, Abascal, Fogning; Miguel; Vikotic, Reisinho, Van Ginkel, Joel Silva; Bozenik, Agra

We say: Benfica 3-0 Boavista

Written by

Adeyeye Oluwapelumi

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