Benfica to kick off Europa League campaign on Wednesday

Benfica officially kicks off its highly anticipated UEFA Europa League campaign this Wednesday with a blockbuster away fixture against Italian powerhouse AC Milan at the iconic San Siro.

The Oddsmakers' Verdict

Marco Silva’s men enter the league phase in breathtaking form, riding a seven-match winning streak across all competitions. While the Rossoneri hold a slight edge as match-day favourites on home turf, oddsmakers view the Portuguese side as a formidable dark horse. Major bookmakers currently place Benfica's outright title-winning odds around 16-1 to 18-1, positioning them just behind top-tier contenders. Statistically, advanced analytical models award the Eagles a 13.6% probability of hoisting the trophy at the tournament's end.

Key Benfica Players to Watch

Vangelis Pavlidis - The Greek international striker is the undisputed focal point of the Eagles' lethal attack. Known for his intelligent movement off the ball and ruthless finishing inside the box, his ability to convert half-chances will be critical against rigid Europa League clubs.

Andreas Schjelderup - Operating as a dynamic force in the attacking line, the Norwegian prodigy brings immense creativity and flair out wide. His technical ability, sharp acceleration, and eye for a decisive pass have made him a locking fixture in the final third.

Clement Lenglet - Anchoring the backline, the veteran French international defender has firmly established himself as a leader in Benfica's back four. His structural discipline, defensive reading of the game and elite ball-distribution from the back provide the stability required to survive intense European nights. 

What Fans Can Expect

Supporters can expect an incredibly ambitious, high-octane continental run. Benfica's recent clinical attacking form promises an entertaining brand of football. Fans should brace for a highly competitive league phase as the Eagles aim for a top-eight finish to secure direct knockout qualification in the competition.

 

Benfica and winger Bruma set to agree to rescind contract

Portuguese winger Bruma is close to reaching an agreement with Benfica to mutually terminate his contract, paving the way for a return to Greek football.

The 31-year-old forward, who originally signed with the Eagles from Braga in February 2025 for a fee of €6.5 million, was contractually bound to the club until June 2028. However, his stint at the Estadio da Luz was severely hindered by a devastating Achilles tendon rupture that kept him sidelined for the majority of the 2025/2026 campaign.

Following his recovery, Bruma found himself excluded from the first-team squad under manager Marco Silva, who made it clear that the player was no longer part of his upcoming technical plans. Eager to revitalize his career, the veteran attacker has chosen to sever ties with the Lisbon club early. With Greece’s transfer window closing quickly, Super League club Aris Thessaloniki has emerged as his primary destination. 

Bruma is no stranger to the country, having previously won a domestic league title during a highly successful loan spell with Olympiacos. Bruma appeared in only 17 games across all competitions, scoring one goal in and providing two helpers in 784 minutes.

It's time Marco Silva insert Schjelderup into the starting lineup

For Benfica head coach Marco Silva, maximizing structural balance means shifting away from Georgiy Sudakov to start Andreas Schjelderup. While Sudakov brings immense ball-retention talent as a central playmaker, his tendency to drop deep often crowds the midfield and slows transitions.

The Tactical Blueprint: Schjelderup on the Left  

To optimize Silva’s high-risk, high-reward attacking system, Schjelderup needs to be given the nod. The Norwegian is a natural left winger. Deployed wide left, he stretches the pitch, isolates fullbacks, and cuts inside with deadly verticality.
 

The Wing Connection: Unlocking Prestianni

Crucially, starting Schjelderup unlocks an electrifying connection with Gianluca Prestianni. Prestianni, operating dynamically as the inverted right winger, thrives when given space to switch play and drift centrally. By pulling the opposition's defensive lines apart from the flanks, Schjelderup keeps the defensive block stretched. This allows Prestianni the freedom to overload the final third and feed the strikers. 

The Final Piece: Rafa Silva in the Pocket 

Completing this tactical fluid framework, Rafa Silva slots perfectly into his optimal position as an elite second striker or attacking central number ten. Playing in the pocket behind the primary striker, Rafa uses his blistering acceleration to exploit the massive gaps created by Schjelderup and Prestianni’s wide movements. 

For Marco Silva, starting Schjelderup isn’t just a personnel swap; it is the key to making the Eagles' attack even more potent.