Juventus vs Benfica

Seventh-placed Juventus [DLDWW] come into the match on the back of a 2-0 home victory over Pafos on Matchday 6, a result that further underlined their strength in Turin. That win means Juve have now lost just two of their last 12 home European matches, recording six wins and four draws in that period. Confidence was already rising after a dramatic 3-2 away success at Bodø/Glimt on Matchday 5, and the Italian giants now have the opportunity to secure three consecutive Champions League victories for the first time since their five-match winning run spanning the 2020/21 and 2021/22 campaigns. This fixture also carries historical weight for the hosts. Juventus are appearing in the Champions League proper for the 25th time, extending their record as Italy’s most frequent participants. Last season, however, was a reminder of how unforgiving the modern competition can be, as Juve finished 20th in the league phase before being eliminated by PSV Eindhoven in the knockout phase play-offs. Progress this time around is therefore accompanied by a clear sense of purpose. There is also a notable individual storyline in midfield. Weston McKennie is poised to become only the second American player to reach 40 appearances in the Champions League proper, following Christian Pulišić. McKennie’s influence has been growing, and his attacking contribution has matched his energy, with both he and Jonathan David scoring in Juventus’ last two UCL matches, highlighting a team that is finding goals from multiple sources at a crucial stage of the competition. A 3—4--2—1 formation with Jonathan David in attack is expected against Benfica.

Benfica [LLLWW], though, arrive in strong form and with their own ambitions. Consecutive 2-0 wins away at Ajax on Matchday 5 and at home to Napoli on Matchday 6 have put the Portuguese side on the brink of a notable achievement: three successive Champions League victories for the first time since their four-match winning run in 2022/23. This is Benfica’s 45th European Cup campaign, second only to Real Madrid, and their 20th appearance in the Champions League proper, with 15 of those coming in the last 16 seasons. In 2024/25, the Eagles finished 16th in the league phase, edged past Monaco in the playoffs, and were eventually eliminated by Barcelona in the last 16, reinforcing their status as consistent contenders at this level. With only one point adrift of playoff qualifying positions, 25th-placed Benfica will be looking to do everything possible to claim a win here. A 4—2—3—1 with Franjo Ivanović in attack is expected against the Old Lady.