Club brugge vs Benfica lineups
After a 2-0 win in the first leg, Benfica will look to continue their dominance against Club Brugge when they head to the Estadio da Luz for the second leg of this UEFA Champions League round-of-16 clash on Tuesday.
Roger Schmidt’s side secured a 2-0 win in Belgium two weeks ago, with goals from Joao Mario and David Neres sealing the victory. They have won all their matches since and will look to continue their success on Tuesday.
Odysseas Vlachodimos
Odysseas Vlachodimos starts in goal for Benfica in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 ties against Club Brugge. The German goalkeeper will face Belgian opposition for the first time since the group stage, and he’s expected to make some crucial saves.
The Blauw-Zwart have won just once in their past nine games, a draw against PSG, so this could be an opportunity for Benfica to put the game to bed early.
Alexander Bah
SL Benfica will look to protect a two-goal lead when they face Club Brugge in their UEFA Champions League Round of the 16-second leg. The Portuguese side is in excellent form, unbeaten in 12 games, and comfortably leading the Primeira Liga.
Benfica has won all three games since the reverse fixture and will be confident going into this game. However, Club Brugge has needed improvement under Scott Parker and will face a mountain to climb.
Antonio Silva
Club Brugge coach Peter Parker is expected to line up his side in a 4-2-3-1 formation. He should start Simon Mignolet as a goalkeeper, with Clinton Mata, Abakar Sylla, Brandon Mechele, and Bjorn Meijer in the back four.
The Belgians are looking for a famous Champions League upset against Benfica on Tuesday night. But they need help finding the net against the Portuguese champions in Portugal.
Nicolas Otamendi
Nicolas Otamendi is a veteran center-back who has been in fantastic form with Argentina at the World Cup. He has been one of the standout players in their team, winning aerial duels more than any other defender.
He is also an attacking threat on the other side of the ball and will be crucial for Benfica against Brugge. They will look to keep their undefeated run in the Champions League going with a win on Tuesday.
Alejandro Grimaldo
Grimaldo is a full-back with a strong eye for passing and can make passes that dissect the defensive line. He also understands off-ball movement well and can create a press.
He has been the focal point of Benfica’s left side this season. He has made 25 progressive passes, 19 key passes, and 14 passing actions that dissect the defensive line.
Florentino Luis
Florentino Luis is a versatile player who sits deeper and forms a passing triangle. He is also tasked with stopping counterattacks when Benfica loses the ball.
He has been a vital part of Roger Schmidt’s side this season. He is a combative midfielder who is tactically razor-sharp and works hard for the team.
Chiquinho
Chiquinho will be making his Benfica debut on Tuesday night. He will be paired up with beneficial Mario in the midfield.
The Portuguese side wants to continue its dominant run in the Champions League. They defeated Club Brugge 2-0 in the first leg and are well-placed to reach the quarterfinals for a second straight season.
Joao Mario
Benfica midfielder Joao Mario is a crucial player for the Portuguese side and is one of the main reasons they dominate in Primeira Liga. He also has a good record in Europe, scoring in four consecutive UEFA Champions League games.
Benfica is coming off a 2-0 win over Club Brugge in the Round of 16 and will look to defend that lead in this matchup. However, Club Brugge is a surprising team this season, finishing second in the group and securing a spot in the knockout stages.
Rafa
Club Brugge will be out for revenge after losing 2-0 in the first leg of this Champions League tie. They have a mountain to climb in Benfica, and only once in 45 previous links has a team won the first leg away but lost it on aggregate.
Scott Parker has no option but to set his side up for a bruising clash. Despite that, the odds are stacked against Benfica.
Fredrik Aursnes
Fredrik Aursnes has been a mainstay in Benfica’s midfield this season. He’s a right-footed central midfielder who can play as a defensive or attacking midfielder.
Benfica is unbeaten in the Champions League this season and remains on a seven-game winning streak in the Portuguese league. They’re set to defend a 2-0 lead against Club Brugge on Tuesday in Lisbon, aiming for their second straight quarterfinal appearance in Europe’s top club competition.
