Benfica hosts Bayer Leverkusen in a crucial Champions League match and it is a tough one as Benfica are look to end their winless run in the competition.

Benfica are looking to turn their season around as they host Bayer Leverkusen at Estadio da Luz on Wednesday. The Portuguese giants are struggling in the Champions League, with no points from their opening three matches, sitting second from bottom.

Benfica’s recent form has been impressive domestically, with seven wins in ten games, but they’ve struggled to translate that success to the European stage. Their last three matches in the Champions League have seen them concede nine goals, highlighting their defensive vulnerabilities.

Leverkusen, on the other hand, is chasing a response from a rough spell, having lost 3-0 to Bayern Munich at the weekend. Kasper Hjulmand’s team has gone winless in their first three Champions League matches, but they’ve shown resilience in their previous encounters.

Benfica will be without injured trio Alexander Bah, Manu Silva, and Bruma, while Fredrik Aursnes is expected to retain his position at right-back. Vangelis Pavlidis is likely to lead the line, seeking to add to his 13 goals for the season.

Leverkusen faces several absentees, including Exequiel Palacios and Nathan Tella, while Patrik Schick is set to feature after regaining full fitness. The team’s captain, Robert Andrich, will miss out due to suspension.

Benfica vs Bayer Leverkusen Predicted XI

Benfica Predicted XI

Trubin; Aursnes, Otamendi, T Araujo, Dahl; Barrenechea, Rios; Schjelderup, Sudakov, Lukebakio; Pavlidis 

Bayer Leverkusen Predicted XI

Flekken; Tapsoba, Balde, Quansah; Grimaldo, Garcia, Echeverri, Arthur; Poku, Kofane; Schick