Benfica v Real Madrid | Probable XI to keep the European dream alive | OneFootball

Anatoliy Trubin, Amar Dedic, Tomás Araújo, Nicolás Otamendi, Samuel Dahl, Fredrik Aursnes, Leandro Barreiro, Gianluca Prestianni, Rafa Silva, Andreas Schjelderup, and Vangelis Pavlidis are expected to be the eleven names chosen by José Mourinho to start the match between Benfica and Real Madrid.

With no major surprises in goal, the Special One’s bet will remain on Trubin, who delivered a strong performance the last time the two teams faced each other, recalling that he even scored the decisive goal that took the Eagles to the playoff of the Champions League.

In defense, despite some existing doubts, Dedic is expected to be fit to play, however, Mourinho will have Alexander Bah as a backup plan. Tomás Araújo returns to his original position, while Otamendi and Dahl retain their spots in the starting lineup, with the risk of missing the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu.

In midfield, similar to the number 17, Fredrik Aursnes will also have a reserved spot in the starting eleven, alongside Leandro Barreiro. On the bench, Mourinho will have Richard Ríos and Enzo Barrenechea as alternative options. Further forward, Prestianni and Schjelderup are expected to occupy the flanks, with Rafa Silva supporting Vangelis Pavlidis.

It should be noted that Benfica and Real Madrid are playing the first leg of the playoff that grants access to the round of 16 of the Champions League. The match is scheduled for this Tuesday, February 17, at 8:00 PM, at the Estádio da Luz, and will be refereed by François Letexier. The clash will be broadcast on Sport TV and will have exclusive commentary on Benfica FM.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.