The air is electric. José Mourinho is back. Benfica’s ‘Special One’ takes his place on the bench today. This Saturday, it’s more than just a regular game. The Reds clash with AVS in the 6th round of the Liga Betclic. The match kicks off at 6 PM in Vila das Aves.
This much-anticipated return follows a tough week for the club. Just last Tuesday, Benfica suffered a 3-2 defeat against Qarabag in the Champions League. That loss ultimately led to Bruno Lage’s exit from the manager’s role. Now, all eyes are on Mourinho. Everyone wonders how he will guide the team through this critical moment.
Mourinho made just one tactical switch in the starting lineup. Andreas Schjelderup, who played in the Champions League match, is out. Franjo Ivanovic steps onto the field instead. Ivanovic will play up front. He will form a strong partnership with Pavlidis in the attack. This change clearly signals Mourinho’s intent to reshape the offensive strategy.
The midfield also sees some adjustments. Sudakov will now move to the left wing. Aursnes takes up position on the right side. Enzo Barrenechea and Richard Ríos will command the center of the park. These choices show Mourinho’s immediate vision for controlling the game. He aims to secure the midfield while stretching the opponent wide.
Before we look closer at Benfica, let’s consider their opponent. Fábio Espinho has prepared his AVS team for this challenge. They aim to make things difficult for the returning ‘Special One’.
AVS Starting Eleven
- Simão Bertelli
- Sidi Bane
- Paulo Vítor
- Devenish
- Kiki Afonso
- Jaume
- Ángel Algobia
- Óscar Perea
- Bruno Lourenço
- Tunde Akinsola
- Tomané
AVS Substitutes
- João Gonçalves
- Pedro Barros
- Rafael Barbosa
- Leonardo Conge
- Nenê
- Diego Garcete
- Guilherme Silva
- Gustavo Mendonça
- Aderllan Santos
Now, for the team everyone is watching. Here is Mourinho’s chosen Benfica squad. This is the lineup he believes can start a new winning streak.
Benfica Starting Eleven
- Anatoliy Trubin
- Amar Dedic
- António Silva
- Nicolás Otamendi
- Samuel Dahl
- Enzo Barrenechea
- Richard Ríos
- Aursnes
- Sudakov
- Ivanovic
- Pavlidis
Benfica Substitutes
- Samuel Soares
- Rafael Obrador
- Leandro Barreiro
- Andreas Schjelderup
- Prestianni
- Henrique Araújo
- Tomás Araújo
- João Veloso
- João Rego
This match means more than just three points for Benfica. It marks the opening chapter of a new era. Mourinho’s very presence brings a different kind of energy to the club. Fans hope his famous tactical mind will quickly bring back the winning ways they cherish.