Champions League 2025-2026: Benfica-Qarabag, the likely lineups

Home opener for Benfica, which wants to get off on the right foot against Qarabag. The Portuguese team opens its adventure in the UEFA Champions League group stage by hosting Azerbaijan’s Qarabag. The match is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 16, with kickoff set for 9 p.m. at the Estádio do SL Benfica in Lisbon.

The stage for the debut will be the Estádio do SL Benfica, the beating heart of the red and white fans. The facility, inaugurated in 2003 to replace the old stadium, has 64,642 seats and has already been the scene of two Champions League finals.

Benfica arrives at the European fixture with the stated goal of winning three points immediately in front of their home crowd and consolidating their ambitions in the round. Qarabag, on the other hand, wants to surprise and play their cards with the enthusiasm of those who have nothing to lose, relying on compactness and organization.

Probable lineups

Benfica (4-2-3-1): Soares; Dahl, Antonio Silva, Araujo, Obrador; Rios, Barrenechea; Aursnes, Barreiro, Schjelderup; Pavlidis.
Coach: Lage.

Qarabag (4-2-3-1): Mahammadaliyev; Dani Bolt, Badavi Hüseynov, Mmaee, Abbas Hüseynov; Chriso, Cabrayilzada; Kashchuk, Addai, Bayranov; Qurbanly.
Coach: Qurbanov.