The Estádio da Luz, famously known as the “Inferno da Luz,” in Lisbon, Portugal, is the setting for a critical UEFA Champions League league phase clash as Benfica host Bayer Leverkusen. This Matchday 4 encounter features two teams desperately seeking their first victory in the competition. Benfica, despite their struggles in Europe, enter with strong domestic form and the psychological advantage of playing at home under the returning José Mourinho. Bayer Leverkusen, the recent German champions, have seen their early-season rhythm disrupted by heavy defeats and an injury crisis. This match is a must-win for both sides to keep their hopes of advancing to the knockout rounds alive, contrasting Benfica’s domestic solidity with Leverkusen’s urgent need to translate their Bundesliga-winning quality onto the continental stage.
Match Details
This midweek Champions League fixture is crucial for points as both teams look to spark a revival in the league phase table.
DetailInformationCompetitionUEFA Champions League – League Phase (Matchday 4)DateWednesday, November 5, 2025Kick-off8:00 PM GMT (8:00 PM WET)VenueEstádio da Luz, Lisbon, Portugal
Team Form and Analysis for Benfica
Domestic Form and European Performance
Benfica’s European campaign has been deeply frustrating, having lost all three of their league phase matches so far. Their journey began with a painful 3-2 defeat to Qarabağ FK after squandering a two-goal lead, followed by losses to Chelsea and Newcastle United. These results have left them in 35th place in the overall standings with zero points, making this a near-must-win fixture. Benfica also hold one of the lowest shots on target tallies (eight) in the competition.
The stark contrast is their imperious domestic form. The Eagles have an impressive ten-match unbeaten run in the Primeira Liga, including five consecutive clean sheets and a combined 11 goals scored in their last three outings. Manager José Mourinho, who returned to the club earlier this season, will rely on the legendary “Inferno da Luz” atmosphere and his team’s recently recovered defensive solidity to claim the vital three points.
Key Player: Vangelis Pavlidis
Striker Vangelis Pavlidis is Benfica’s main offensive threat, particularly at home. The Greek forward has been prolific domestically, scoring 13 goals in all competitions this season. His importance is amplified by his strong record at the Estádio da Luz, where he has scored five goals in his last four Champions League games. Pavlidis’s relentless work rate and poaching instincts will be crucial to converting Benfica’s domestic form into European success against a vulnerable Leverkusen defence.
Team Form and Analysis for Bayer Leverkusen
Domestic Form and European Performance
Bayer Leverkusen, under manager Kasper Hjulmand, have had a rocky start to their Champions League title campaign. They are currently seeking their first victory after drawing two and losing one of their opening three league phase fixtures, including a devastating 7-2 thrashing by Paris Saint-Germain on Matchday 3. Their two points place them in 30th position in the league phase table.
The German side’s challenges have been primarily defensive, having conceded ten goals in three European games—among the highest in the competition—and suffering a recent 3-0 Bundesliga defeat to Bayern Munich. Their excellent attacking setup, however, remains dangerous. Leverkusen will be forced to adapt their tactics due to a significant injury and suspension list, most notably missing central midfielder Robert Andrich due to a red card. The key for Leverkusen will be regaining the defensive organization that underpinned their recent Bundesliga success and exploiting transitions through their wide players.
Key Player: Álex Grimaldo
Full-back Álex Grimaldo is arguably the most influential player for Bayer Leverkusen this season and will be facing his former club. Grimaldo is the team’s current top goalscorer and top assists maker across all competitions, primarily due to his exceptional delivery from wide areas and his set-piece mastery. His deep understanding of the Estádio da Luz pitch and his attacking contributions will be pivotal for Leverkusen, especially in a game where free-kicks near the box could be decisive.
Head-to-Head Record between the Teams
The historical competitive record between Benfica and Bayer Leverkusen is tightly contested, with the Portuguese side holding a slight advantage.
MetricBenfica WinsDrawsBayer Leverkusen WinsTotal Competitive Meetings211Last 4 Meetings (All Competitions)211Benfica Home Record vs LeverkusenW1 D1 L0
Benfica have lost just one of their six historical meetings with Bayer Leverkusen. They hold a perfect competitive home record against the German side (one win, one draw). The two sides last met in the 2014/15 Champions League group stage and the 2012/13 Europa League round of 32, with the most recent encounter at the Estádio da Luz ending in a 0-0 draw in December 2014.
Players to Watch
Benfica
Nicolas Otamendi (Defender): The experienced centre-back and captain is the leader of the backline. His presence is vital for organizing the defence and ensuring they maintain the defensive discipline they have shown domestically.
Georgiy Sudakov (Attacking Midfielder): The young attacking midfielder’s creativity and fluid movement between the lines are key to breaking down deep defences. He will be crucial in linking Benfica’s midfield and Pavlidis up front.
Bayer Leverkusen
Patrik Schick (Forward): The Czech striker’s return to fitness provides a massive boost to Leverkusen’s attack. His intelligent positioning, composed finishing, and ability to hold up play will be essential for stretching the Benfica defence.
Edmond Tapsoba (Defender): The centre-back’s speed and ball-playing ability are crucial. He will be tested by Pavlidis’s movement and must ensure Leverkusen’s high line is not exposed by direct balls.
Prediction
This match is perfectly poised between a Benfica side that must convert domestic dominance into European points and a Leverkusen side that must arrest its defensive slump. Benfica’s home advantage, the return of a robust defensive structure under Mourinho, and Leverkusen’s significant injury/suspension list give the Portuguese side the marginal advantage. While Leverkusen will certainly pose an attacking threat through Grimaldo and the returning Schick, the intensity and defensive focus of Benfica at the Estádio da Luz should be enough to secure their first victory of the European campaign.
Score Prediction: Benfica 2-1 Bayer Leverkusen
Live Stream and TV Broadcast Information
This UEFA Champions League fixture is scheduled for broadcast across various platforms.
In the United Kingdom (UK), the match will be televised live on TNT Sports 5, with coverage beginning at 7:45 PM GMT. The game can be streamed via the Discovery+ app and website for subscribers.
In Portugal, the match will be broadcast on Eleven Sports.
Check local TV and streaming listings in other regions for the most accurate broadcast information.
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