Benfica vs Atletico Madrid

Estadio da Luz forms the backdrop for an exciting UEFA Champions League meeting between Benfica and Atletico Madrid.

Benfica’s Champions League campaign was off to a winning start as two unanswered first-half goals guided them to a 2-1 win against Red Star Belgrade in the opening round. Another triumph would see the Eagles commence a new Champions League season with back-to-back victories for only the third time. They’ll take the field in high spirits after stringing together a four-game winning streak under new boss Bruno Lage. However, their uptick in form is under imminent threat, with Benfica picking up just two wins in their last 21 European encounters against Spanish opposition (D8, L11). On top of that, the Portuguese heavyweights enter this round amidst a four-game winless streak in Champions League home action (D1, L3), bidding to avenge a 2-1 defeat in the only previous H2H on this ground.

In the meantime, Atletico Madrid bagged a late equalizer in a dramatic 1-1 home draw against bitter rivals Real Madrid last weekend, maintaining their unbeaten run in 2024/25 (W5, D4). Diego Simeone’s side bounced back from an early deficit to beat RB Leipzig 2-1 in their Champions League opener, netting a 90th-minute winner. However, that victory came in Madrid, while Los Colchoneros’ recent away record in Europe’s elite club competition cannot inspire much confidence. They’ve registered just one victory on their last nine Champions League travels (D2, L6), casting doubt on their hopes of extending their undefeated start to the season. On the bright side, they’ve fared well in Portugal lately, claiming three wins on their last four visits to the country (L1).