José Mourinho set for major boost ahead of Juventus v Benfica | OneFootball

Sport Lisboa e Benfica has secured a key reinforcement for the next round of the Champions League. Nicolás Otamendi, who took to the field against Napoli with the sword of discipline hanging over his head, managed to finish the match without receiving any yellow card, thus ensuring his availability for the tough fixture in Italy. The central defender was at risk of suspension, since, according to UEFA regulations, a third yellow card in the competition results in an automatic one-match ban.

Perfect disciplinary management

The disciplinary record of the number 30 was a major concern for the technical team led by José Mourinho. The Argentine international had already been booked twice in this edition of the prestigious competition: first during the visit to London to face Chelsea, and later in the home match against Bayer Leverkusen.

This flawless management during the 90 minutes at Luz allows the coach to maintain stability in the defensive line for the trip to Turin. Otamendi’s experience is seen as crucial to stopping Vecchia Signora’s attack, especially in a clash where competitive maturity could make the difference between earning points or returning to Lisbon empty-handed.

Clash scheduled for January

With the disciplinary issue resolved, the focus now shifts to the calendar. The match between Juventus and Sport Lisboa e Benfica, counting for the seventh round of the Champions League group stage, is scheduled for January 21, 2026. The Eagles, who now have six points in the standings, are looking for a result on Italian soil that will bring them closer to securing a spot in the next phase.

In the 2025/26 season, playing only for Benfica, Nicolás Otamendi – valued at 1 million euros – has played 25 matches: 12 in Liga Portugal Betclic, 10 in the Champions League, one in the Portuguese Cup, one in the League Cup, and another in the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira. In the 2,250 minutes he spent on the pitch, the center-back scored two goals.

Frequently Asked Questions about Otamendi

Check out José Mourinho’s speech about Otamendi in the Benfica dressing room here:

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